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Prime Minister Harper celebrates Canada's 140th birthday on Parliament Hill
1 July 2007
Ottawa, Ontario
Thank you, Bev.Your excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Greetings fellow Canadians here on the Hill, across Canada, and around the world, Happy Canada day!
On July 1, 1867, three small colonies joined together as the Dominion of Canada.
Today, one hundred and forty years later, we are a federation of 10 provinces and three territories, more united than ever, and stretching to the coasts of three oceans.
But our vision extends beyond our shores.
Canada’s back, as a vital player on the global stage.
Our economy is stronger than it has been in decades.
Our businesses are flourishing on international markets.
We are working to deliver aid and enhance security throughout the globe, thanks in particular to our efforts in Afghanistan and Haiti.
We’re a natural resources giant and an emerging energy superpower, and we’re taking a leadership role in developing solutions to the environmental challenges that confront our planet and, of course, this year, our men, women and juniors won three more world hockey championships in hockey.
Canadians are citizens of the world, and we’re making positive contributions in every field of human endeavour.
And why shouldn’t we?
From the natural wealth of the land that God created, to the talents, energy and imagination of people drawn from all the nations of the earth, we are a country that has been truly blessed.
But no matter what our background, French or English, Aboriginal or immigrant, whether our ancestors came from the east, the west or the south – we draw our inspiration from the north.
We see ourselves as a northern people.
This past year, I visited our Canadian Forces and Public Service personnel at Alert on Ellesmere Island, the most northerly human habitation on the planet.
It’s a mystical place, unbounded by the horizon because the ice and sky appear as one.
As I looked across the vast gleaming expanse of the Arctic I could not help but think it is as limitless as the potential of Canada itself.
On behalf of my family: Laureen, Ben and Rachel, and on behalf of the Government of Canada,
I wish you, your friends and your loved ones,
Happy Canada Day.
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