Let’s head back to March 28, 1966, when Leon Ladner was the guest speaker at the Delta Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet at All Saints Parish Hall.
Having an upcoming book about to be published, By Caravan to the Welfare State, Ladner’s speech, interspersed with famous names and snippets of politics, reflected on the change in society since his father and uncle came to Canada over a century ago.
His theme focused on the need of more education for the present and future people of society.
He said the cost of education was little compared to other expenditures, such as liquor, tobacco and gambling.
A governor of the University of BC, he also said education was fundamental to the progress, welfare and happiness of mankind, and the pages of history were replete with evidence to prove it.
“The only way to ensure world peace is by world education,” he said.
Ladner also warned Canada was losing its individuality and becoming a welfare state.
He added that, above all, the old-fashioned moral concepts of the family and family life should shape the child for the future.
The chamber event also saw Mr. A.J. Huff honoured with a plaque as Delta’s Good Citizen of 1965.
