In a new book about the famous Canadian painters, known as the Group of Seven, there is a story about a journey to the Arctic by the artist Frederick Varley. In a letter home, Varley described himself as “drunk with the seemingly impossible” of the landscape; he marveled at the icebergs – fangs of teeth hundreds of feet high, as he described them.

July 01, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

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Your Excellency, honoured guests, Canadians here on Parliament Hill and across the land:

In a new book about the famous Canadian painters, known as the Group of Seven, there is a story about a journey to the Arctic by the artist Frederick Varley. In a letter home, Varley described himself as “drunk with the seemingly impossible” of the landscape; he marveled at the icebergs – fangs of teeth hundreds of feet high, as he described them.

Varley’s colleague, A.Y. Jackson, traveled north as well. He tried to paint some of the wonders that Varley had described, but he often was unable to do so -- mosquitoes kept getting mixed up his oil paints.

Isn’t that Canada? Beautiful, awe-inspiring, always unique, and as this story shows, sometimes too unique.

It is a wonder to live in our country. To gaze upon its mountain ranges and endless swaths of treetops. Seaside towns and indelible patches of thick green islands. Teeming cities, with their bold towers and boundless human energy. The idyllic main streets of small-town Canada. The magnificent expanse of prairies. Lakes dotting the remote landscape like raindrops on a maple leaf.

The landscape of this nation is as diverse and remarkable as the people who inhabit it. And I was privileged to meet many Canadians along the way, to talk with them – about their work, their families and their lives. It was impossible not to be struck by the depth of the confidence they have in Canada and its future. By the depth of the pride they hold for their country and its people.

We as Canadians don’t talk much about patriotism.

But our love of country is second to no other.

Our pride in our cultural diversity and the richness it brings to our society is second to no other.

Our passion for the accomplishments and creativity of our citizens is second to no other.

Our confidence in the future is second to no other.

Our pride in being a welcoming country that is the envy of the world is second to no other.

Our compassion toward those in need and the inclusive nature of our society are second to no other.

Canada is second to no other.

A month ago, many of the Canadian veterans of D-Day returned to Juno Beach along the northern shore of France – to stand once more on the sands of Normandy, to stare out one last time into the waters of the English Channel and the memory of that grim, triumphant day 60 years ago.

At the Canadian War Cemetery, I stood and talked with these men, asked them questions and marveled both at their bravery and their modesty. They were proud of what they had done, proud to be Canadian, and for them being proud was enough. “No need to crow about it”, one of them said.

When you look up at the Canadian flag there, when you look out at the graves of those who at so young an age gave their lives for Canada and what Canada stands for, you feel not only moved. You feel inspired. You feel a bolt of patriotism. You feel both proud and humbled to be a Canadian.

Ours is a gentle national confidence.

Except for today.

Today is a day to celebrate.

The vastness of our land.

What unites us from coast to coast.

To reflect on how fortunate we are as a nation and as a people.

To rejoice in that which makes us Canada.

To herald the joy and the privilege of being Canadian.

To honour the tremendous accomplishments of those who came before us, those who forged this great nation.

To look forward to what we will accomplish, together, in the future.

So light the fireworks. Cue the marching bands across the land. Wave the flag. Tomorrow, next week, next month, for a year the echo will endure.

We are the quiet patriots. But we are resolute. Our love is strong. Our pride runs deep. Our country is Canada.