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Address by
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
Canada Day 2002
July 1 ,2002
Ottawa, Ontario
My friends, there is nothing like Canada Day.
To stir our spirit. To call forth our joy in our many blessings. Our pride at
being part of the exceptional story of an exceptional nation. A story that
speaks of challenges met and promises kept.
Today, we celebrate the steps we have taken to meet the challenge, put to us
by the Fathers of Confederation to build a new kind of nation. One of many
faiths, races and creeds in which ancient grievances are left behind out of a
common desire for harmony, and to fulfil the promise of a brighter, more
prosperous future for all.
The 135 th
year of Confederation has been truly extraordinary. One of stirring triumphs:
the gold medal class of Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, and the return to
Olympic glory of our men and women’s hockey teams.
But it has also been a year of momentous challenges, which Canadians have met
in stride, with confidence and resolve. One in which our shared values of
freedom, tolerance, sharing and compassion, as always, have been a sure and
steady guide to our actions and our choices.
In a year of global uncertainty, the steps we have taken, as a people, to
restore vitality and dynamism to our economy have been rewarded with continued
growth and expanded opportunity.
After the calamity of September 11 th,
we opened our hearts and homes to thousands of stranded visitors. On this very
spot, more than 100,000 Canadians came together on beautiful fall day in a
moving expression of solidarity with our Americans friends and neighbours.
And we stood shoulder to shoulder with all civilized nations in defence of
freedom as part of the international campaign against terrorism. A campaign in
which four fine young Canadians lost their lives: Sergeant Marc Léger, Corporal
Ainsworth Dyer, Private Richard Green, and Private Nathan Smith. As a people, we
grieved with their families. As a nation, we will honour their memory and their
sacrifice forever.
Just a few days ago, it was my great privilege, not only to welcome the G8 to
Kananaskis, but, above all, to demonstrate Canadian leadership in ensuring that
the benefits of globalization are truly global. As we endorsed a concrete Africa
Action Plan whose goal is to help reverse generations of social and economic
decline on that troubled continent.
As we celebrate a year of tremendous achievement, and look to the future, our
shared goal must be to harness our renewed sense of confidence, optimism and
pride in the cause of addressing the challenges that lie between us and the full
realization of our promise as a nation.
To maximize opportunity for all Canadians. To invest in their hopes and their
dreams. To ensure that our quality of life remains a global model. To make the
Maple Leaf a 21 st
century trademark for excellence.
My fellow Canadians, above everything, Canada Day is your day. As I look upon
this joyful crowd, I can sense that as a nation the wind is in our sails.
But you did not come here to listen to me. You came to have a good time. And
the time has come for me to get out of the way. And for you to get on with the
best party. On the best day of the year. In the best country in the world.
Happy Canada Day!
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