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PM's Canada Day greeting
What a great day. What a great crowd. I thought we had a big crowd last year, but I think this is the biggest one yet.
Today our Confederation, our country, is 144 years old, but, having just recently travelled all across this great land, I think it is more accurate to say that Canada is 144 years young.
Our country is barely scratching the surface of its full potential, be it here at home or on the international scene.
When I look out across this vast, joyful sea of red and white, I see a country that’s just brimming with confidence: Strong, united, peaceful, prosperous.
A Canada that’s proud of its long history and secure in its present.
A Canada that will accept no limits, no bounds, and no ceiling to its great future; the best country in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is something special about our country: not just its remarkable history, but its unbeatable spirit. And that spirit has been leading us out of the global recession in the best position in the world.
It’s the spirit of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, in Libya, and around the world; the men and women of the Forces who so inspire us as Canadians.
Now of course, today, Ladies and gentlemen, we are especially blessed. We have two special guests joining our national celebrations. They are the world’s most famous newlyweds, a young couple who represent an unbreakable link with our past and our unqualified optimism for the future.
Now, in that great Canadian summer tradition, they are about to strike off on a cross-Canada tour, with stops in Montreal, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Summerside, Yellowknife and Calgary, among other places.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in offering our warmest Canada Day welcome, congratulations and bon voyage to their newly married Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
On behalf of my family: Laureen, Ben, and Rachel; and on behalf of the Government of Canada, Happy Canada Day.
