This article was taken from the December 1968 copy of the IMA (Ian Martin & Associates) News
A yuletime comment by President Ian Martin, P.Eng.
Cover of the 1968 holiday issue of the IMA News.
It has become a tradition of our Company that each Christmas I take the opportunity to extend my personal greetings to each of our staff members and their families in the December issue of our Company publication.
The phrase ‘sick society’ – with its negative connotations- has become a popular catchword with many people, and some of the mass media, in commenting on our North American society. I believe that the Christmas season, when we look forward to showing affection and warmth to others, is a fitting time to look at the positive side- which I believe is by far the greater – our freedom to work, to worship, to go where we wish; generally with a large degree of freedom to choose our way of living and freedom under our laws from fear of arbitrary actions by others (including government, police, etc.). These basic freedoms combined with our increasing standard of living plus the rapidly increasing levels of assistance to those who through no fault of their own cannot support themselves, seem to me clear signposts of the vigour of our society,
In spite of the many problems which face us all, both individually and collectively – whether they are economic, sickness, prejudice, crime, violence, etc. – I believe that the influence of man’s goodwill to man is a strong force with the great majority of people, and is the reason for the forward growth of our society and its ability to overcome problems. Each one of us can help further that growth in our day to day relations with the people around us.
I am sure that this Christmas those new Canadians who have so recently arrived from Czechoslovakia following the unhappy events there, will be joining others who have fled oppression, such as the individuals who came to Canada from Hungary in 1956, in reaffirming their faith in our way of life, while at the same time thinking of those close to them who are still in their homeland.
Our Company has had a good year of growth, and I am particularly pleased that to our ranks have been added a considerable number of highly qualified technical personnel from England, Ireland and Scotland, as a result of special recruiting drives late this year.
Actual article from 1968
I know that many of these staff members, as with those from other lands, will have some problems in adjusting to our way of life particularly at first, but I am confident that they will find here a rich and full life as so many others have.
I am looking forward to continuing growth of our company next year with increased opportunity both in responsibility and in earning for all staff members.
I want to wish all of you and your families, on behalf of Mrs. Masson and myself, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
