CANADA DAY
June 29, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
The following is the text of a message from Prime Minister
Jean Chrétien on the occasion of Canada Day 2001:
"Today, Canadians join hands to make a joyful
noise, as only we can, about a nation like no other. Our pure joy at being
Canadian overflows. We share our feelings of national pride, accomplishment
and good fortune with each other and for all of the world to see.
We express our deep pride at being a force for peace,
freedom and justice in an often troubled world.
We celebrate the unmatched cultural diversity that
gives Canadian life its special energy, creativity and flavour. Canadians,
by birth and by choice, reaffirm our common citizenship, our fundamental
equality and our shared commitment to making Canada a better and more
tolerant place to live.
Above all, we celebrate the most precious of our
national resources: the Canadian spirit. A spirit of optimism and enthusiasm
that cannot be conquered. That has been more than a match for any challenge
that history, geography and circumstance have set before it.
A spirit that drives the creative energy of our
artists, writers, poets, and film makers. A spirit that is sparked by
innovation and moved by generosity and compassion for the weak and the
vulnerable. That is never complacent. That is always fixed on a new
challenge. A larger dream. A better tomorrow.
The Canadian spirit is the key to the history we have
lived and the values we have embraced. And it is why, in Canada, our best
days are always ahead of us.
Aline joins me in wishing each and every Canadian a
happy Canada Day."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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