Canada Day

July 1, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario

Welcome to the party of all parties! One that will rock and roll, dance and sing, cheer and laugh, from Signal Hill to Clayoquot Sound; from Trois Rivières to Medicine Hat; from Point Pelee to Iqaluit. Together, we celebrate a crossroads in time. Together, we give full voice to our heartfelt pride and optimism. Together, we are ready to embrace a new century of endless possibilities.

Canada Day affords us an opportunity to come together, as a people, to celebrate the great Canadian success story. A story conceived in the bold vision and shared values of our ancestors. A story spoken in almost every language and enshrined in the contributions of new Canadians. A story handed down through the generations by our writers, poets, artists and singers. A story told in the discoveries of our scientists and the success of our entrepreneurs. A story in which each new chapter is more exciting than the one before.

Today, we celebrate the Canadian way. Our unshakable commitment to sharing prosperity and opportunity; to drawing strength from our unmatched diversity; to ensuring that no Canadian is left behind as we move ahead together.

On Canada Day, we also celebrate the common experiences that crystalize our many blessings in a single moment.

Like all of you, my life is full of such memories. But the laying to rest of our Unknown Soldier will always have special meaning for me. Long lines of Canadians stretched out onto this very lawn. Young and old. Rich and poor. People who have lived here all their lives and new Canadians. Many in tears. They came in the thousands to pay their respects to someone whom they never knew. Who died in a far-away place, long before most of us were born. But whose sacrifice symbolizes our fierce commitment to freedom. Who symbolizes everything that Canada stands for.

It was a truly precious time when our history became more than something we read about in text books or heard about in the stories of older generations. It came to life for all of us. Allowing us, for a brief moment, to join hands in appreciation with those who gave their lives so that we could stand here today to celebrate all that we have.

I will never forget it. And we can never forget them.

And in tribute to them, I ask everyone -- here and across the country -- to express and share your joy on this marvellous day. Embrace your family and friends. Tell your children about the wonders of this great land. Reach out to the poor and the vulnerable. Resolve to make your communities better places to live. Sing "Oh Canada" like you have never sung it before!

Because my friends this is Canada! The best country in the world! Where anything is possible. And where the best -- the very best -- is yet to come!

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