Happy Canada Day

July 01, 2006

Dear Friend,

Happy Canada Day!

July 1st is a day for friends, family, neighbours and indeed all Canadians to come together and celebrate all that makes our society great. We take pride in the strength of our society, not only from its vast diversity, but also in what unites us as citizens.

Canadians are proud of our common values of liberty, peace, democracy, tolerance and openness. In the 139 years since it's birth, Canada has developed and become a light for people around the world. For our diversity and inclusion, we are an inspiration and a model to other nations. To many of the world's most disadvantaged peoples, Canada is a land of hope and promise. We should see ourselves this way.

I know for me personally, Canada Day is always a special day. Celebrating Canada is about more than flags, anthems and barbeque; its about recognizing and honouring the strength and generosity of a great people.

Today, on Canada Day, we reflect on how fortunate we are as a nation and as a people. We rejoice in that which makes us Canadian. And we display our deep and tranquil pride in all that we have accomplished, in all that we stand poised to achieve together.

Today, we look back on our history, on how we got here, on those who helped to build the country we love so deeply. Tomorrow, we set about making history of our own.

This is our country. This is our day. This is our time. Happy birthday Canada.