Canada Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate all that is great about being Canadian. We are privileged to be members of a free, democratic and dynamic society that welcomes people of all cultures and backgrounds.

This Canada Day, we have much to celebrate.  July 1st is also a day many regard as the start to Canada’s beautiful summer.  From coast to coast to coast, we’re surrounded by a natural inheritance that is the envy of the world.   In our backyards, balconies and parks we’ll watch blazing fireworks.  We’ll enjoy a day off whether by the pool, around the BBQ, or anywhere else Canadian families find to gather. 

We should definitely enjoy the long weekend, but not without noting its greater significance: it is the chief celebration of our country each year, both at home and by Canadians abroad.  This is a day to celebrate our history as a country, and our accomplishments in our 144th year.    And as we look ahead to the coming year with its key anniversaries, including the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Diamond Jubilee of our Queen, we should take the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the rich history of our country.

Last year, Her Majesty the Queen joined us on Parliament Hill.  This year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – William and Kate – will tour Canada for the first time as a married couple.

Next year also marks the 40th anniversary of our victory in the 1972 Summit Series and the 20th anniversary of the Jays’ World Series victory.  Next year is the second anniversary of our stunning performance at Canada’s Olympic Games, where our dedicated athletes took home the most gold medals by any country, ever. Additionally we should remain proud of our scientific and artistic accomplishments, such as the invention of the telephone, the discovery of insulin and the majestic performances of Cirque du Soleil.

The Canadian Forces have helped protect our country and the values it represents, through two world wars, numerous conflicts such as Afghanistan, and countless humanitarian missions.  Over the past year, they have remained hard at work, despite risk and hardship, in difficult circumstances throughout the world.  More recently, Canada has distinguished itself on the economic front.  Canada has weathered the economic storm better than almost any other major nation.  Now we are leading the recovery, growing our economy and creating jobs.  There is still much to be done, but today we should focus on how far we have come.

All citizens should take pride in being Canadian and in the fundamental values we share as diverse members of a society known for its encouragement and support of all persons. Canada Day is an opportunity to get together with friends and family to express your love for Canada and to pay tribute to the achievements of the men and women who have made our country the best in the world!”

It’s no wonder so many people, from all over the world, have chosen to come to Canada.  It’s no wonder they’re coming today, to join our country and grow our economy, in record numbers.
We share a great country, the greatest country in the world.

And it is our shared responsibility, and great privilege, to make Canada great for all Canadians, and all that it can be.

From my family to yours, I want to wish you all a very Happy Canada Day.