A selection committee made up of representatives from across the province and involving the Canadian Unity Council felt the following Grade 10 students captured the Importance of National Unity, and each deserve a $2,000 scholarship to be applied to their university or college tuition.

The essay contest was announced in August 2000 and is designed to honour the memory of Mr. W.M. Elliott, who served as an IPSCO Board member from 1966 to 1992, and as Chairman of the IPSCO Board from 1986 to 1992 and former Senator, Dr. E.W. Barootes, who served as an IPSCO Board member from 1982 to 1989.

In Relation To Others
By Amy Huziak
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

As Canadians, we are fiercely proud of our nation and our reputation as peace keepers. Every day troops are sent into dangerous areas such as Bosnia, and the Middle East. National support is crucial to the people who are at risk everyday. To continue to be internationally productive, protected and trusted we must remain as one positive and united force.

When Lester B. Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957, Canada silently came to the understanding that it's role would be as a peace keeper. Since then, in international affairs, we have played a significant role as a major peace keeping organization, currently maintaining fourteen peace keeping missions. Because of our outward aspects, foreign governments believe they can place a certain amount of responsibility on Canada, and we will do our part.
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Canadian Unity
By Danielle Desjardins
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Canada is a home to much diversity of cultures, tradition, and people. The people of Canada have always united together to form a bond that is unbreakable. We are held in great regards by other countries because of the way we get along with other countries and the people throughout our country. Canada has always been a sturdy nation, uniting together to make the best decisions for all the people.

Canadian unity can best be compared to a mosaic because every person, culture, and country adds to the beauty of the art of our mosaic. A good mosaic must first have a foundation from which to start on, our foundation being the First Nations Citizens who are the base of so much culture and tradition in our country. The pieces of the mosaic must interlock together like the people of Canada because the more diversity or colour in the mosaic, the more beautiful the piece.
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The Importance of National Unity
By Hanley Collins
Regina, Saskatchewan

"In union there is strength." Aesop's words of wisdom are as true today as when first spoken. National unity should be desired and treasured by all Canadians.

A definition of unity is the combination or arrangement of parts into a whole for a common purpose. Canada has welcomed immigrants into our country and valued and built upon their skills and knowledge for the greater good of the country. Today, Canadians are not consumed by defending their separate ethnic traditions. This allows Canadians to channel their intellectual abilities to pursue goals to better society. This has enabled Canada to contribute such advancements as the telephone, insulin, the Canada arm on the space shuttle, or even the game of basketball. By pooling its resources, Canada has become of the wealthiest, and one of the most technologically advanced countries.
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National Unity
By Lara Bullerwell
Cut Knife High School

"There are no limits to the majestic future which lies before the mighty expanse of Canada with its virile, aspiring, cultured and generous-hearted people."
- Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1951)

Good day, eh? There are many little quirks and stereotypes that Canada is known for around the world. These are the basis for many jokes but the real Canada is displayed in the cultural diversity and national unity that is shown through the people that live in this wonderful country. We aren't brought together as one loving country by politicians or religious beliefs but by our love of this land we live in and the things that it represents...
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Canada and National Unity
By Michael Keshane
Regina,Saskatchewan

Canada is a land of mountains, lakes, prairies, forest, tundra and ice. Canada is a land of vast fresh waters. Canada is the land of my people. Canada is a land of freedom. Canada is a land of many peoples. Canada is my home. Often keeping this vast land with may diverse cultures together seems like an enormous challenge, but it must be a challenge that all people take. Keeping a unified and strong Canada is something all Canadians must work toward.

To me, national unity means 'sticking together' and working through our problems. All the provinces and the territories need to stick together because as a nation we are stronger together. Canada is respected around the world. We are a diverse nation and while we embrace the diversity of the heritages of Canadians, we recognize that we do have a common and unique culture that is being Canadian.
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