Canada Day

Happy Canada Day everyone!

On this day every year, we do what some people think is downright un-Canadian. We celebrate with one voice - strong and free - the greatest success story in the world: Canada.

For 131 years - without much fanfare or bragging - Canadians have met every challenge thrown our way. We challenged ourselves not only to make Canada a fact of geography. But also to build a sense of community and belonging. To build a National Dream.

And we succeeded!

We challenged ourselves to make Canada a modern, prosperous nation. Building more opportunity and a better quality of life for our people.

And we succeeded!

We challenged ourselves to make Canada a place where people from all over the world could make Canada a home where ethnic differences are celebrated, not feared. Where they are a source of enduring strength, not conflict.

And we succeeded!

We challenged ourselves to stand up for democracy, freedom and peace - around the world. In two world wars. And in peacekeeping missions today. Asking our sons and daughters to risk everything to protect our way of life at home and to bring peace to others.

With firm resolve, we succeeded!

We challenged ourselves to build a sense of Canadian family. A sense that no matter where we live in this great and beautiful land. Rich or poor. We are neighbours.

Just five months ago, Canadians from coast to coast came to the aid of the victims of a terrible, terrible ice storm. In all my life, I have never seen greater solidarity. Everyone pitched in. From the over 15,000 Canadian troops, to the two nine year-old boys in New Brunswick who saved up their allowances and sent in two dollars to help out.

Neighbours helping neighbours. This is not a new story in Canada. Time and again, when Mother Nature has done her worst, Canadians have been at their best. But it never gets old. We never tire of it. It never loses the power to move us and bring us closer together.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have succeeded!

This year on Canada Day we feel a renewed sense of confidence on the move across the land. This year we can celebrate a new success. We have regained control of our economic destiny. We have overcome many of the economic challenges that have held us back as a nation for far too long.

Once again - we have succeeded!

Now as a country we can dare to hope again. To dream again. We have the freedom, once again, to build better lives for our families. And a sense that anything is possible.

This new confidence at home has also seen Canada reclaim a leadership role abroad. As we did just seven months ago - right here in Ottawa. When we led more than 120 nations to sign the first-ever international treaty banning landmines.

Ladies and gentlemen, the lesson of our history is clear: There is no dream too large and no challenge too great for the Canadian spirit and the Canadian heart!

Tomorrow the fireworks and the parties will be over. Put away for another year. We will return to our normal routine. Quietly going about our daily business. Building our families and our communities. Acting very Canadian! As we have for 131 years.

But deep inside - and all year round - we will carry with us the warm feeling that comes from knowing that we have built the best country in the world!

Happy Birthday, Canada!