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PM welcomes Royal Couple to Cupids
3 November 2009
Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Your Royal Highnesses, Premier Williams, Your Worship, Mayor Laracy, Reverend Davis, distinguished guests, community members, ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Thank you to Roy Dawes for that kind introduction. And thank you to the community of Cupids for once again opening your home, and your hearts to us.
Since becoming Prime Minister, I have visited this magnificent part of our country many times. But I never cease to be astounded by the rugged natural beauty of a land that has been said to "demand the spirit of heroes." It was inspired by just such a spirit that 39 intrepid English colonists first settled at Cuper’s Cove in August of 1610. Led by a Bristol merchant named John Guy, they came to build a new life in a new found land. The shelter and storehouse they built represent the first English settlement on Canadian soil.
Writing of the many reasons they chose this place to establish the colony, Guy invokes, quote "…the goodness of the harbour [and] the fruitfulness of the soil…." Indeed, in the centuries that followed, the fruits of the soil and of the sea would prove plentiful enough to sustain and grow a vibrant British presence in the New World. Together with the French settlement at Quebec City, this outpost laid the foundation for what would ultimately become the most peaceful and prosperous country the world has ever known.
Our government is proud to support celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of these seminal events – set to begin in just a few short months. And, along with Cupids and Newfoundland and Labrador, we are especially proud to have been able to share the treasures of this special place with Your Royal Highnesses today.
Thank you.
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3 November 2009
