Hello everyone.

Today, across the country, Canadians will celebrate Thanksgiving.

It’s a time to celebrate the harvest season and give thanks for our many blessings.

But let’s be honest, this year is different – and it may not feel like we have a whole lot to be grateful for.

COVID-19 has changed all of our lives.

And we’re not out of the woods yet either.

But here’s the thing, despite the many hardships we've been through this year, there’s still reasons to be grateful.

Our family, our friends, our loved ones especially.

There are also countless others who we can – and should – thank this year.

I’m talking about our frontline workers who are working tirelessly every single day to keep us healthy and safe.

The paramedics who race to be by our side in an emergency.

The farmers who make sure that we have food on the table.

The nurses and doctors who save lives.

The grocery clerks who keep the shelves stocked at our local stores.

These are just some of our everyday heroes – and we’re lucky to have them.

We also must give thanks to our brave women and men in uniform.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Red Cross make sacrifices around the world to protect people – and this year, they stepped up in a big way at home.

They were there to support our seniors – and saved countless lives in doing so.

And let’s not forget to recognize all the volunteers across the country who’ve stepped up to help a neighbour, and to lend a hand to those less fortunate since the start of the pandemic.

My friends, Thanksgiving is also a reminder to show compassion to those in need.

It’s a chance to appreciate our communities, and find new ways to give back and be there for one another.

And this year, it’s as simple as washing your hands, staying two metres apart, wearing a mask, and using the COVID Alert app.

If we all do that, we can keep each other safe.

So this Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful, let’s be grateful, and, above all, let’s be united in our efforts to beat COVID-19.

I hope your day is filled with good food and great company – but virtually, of course.

Happy Thanksgiving – stay safe and healthy, everyone.