Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE OCCASION OF SAINT-JEAN BAPTISTE DAY

June 23, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today:

"June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, reminds us all of the great and rich Quebecois and French-Canadian experience. It is an ideal opportunity for Quebecers to celebrate an exceptional history. We've celebrated la Fête nationale for a long time, well before the Quiet Revolution, even before Confederation.

Today we mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day knowing that the Parliament of all of Canada has recognized that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada.

"Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day reminds us that French is the founding language of Canada. In a few days we will be marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the 400th anniversary first permanent francophone presence in North America.

"Quebec city is the cradle of the Francophonie in North America and as we commemorate this anniversary, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is taking on very special significance. This holiday demonstrates that the French language and culture form an integral part of Canada's history and have a special place in the hearts of the citizens of our country.

"On this joyous occasion, I invite people to continue the long tradition of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to Francophones and Francophiles from across the country, who share not only a language but a very rich culture and heritage. I extend to all Quebecers, Francophones and Canadians my best wishes for a wonderful Fête nationale."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Notice

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Public events for June 24, 2008

June 23, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Tuesday, June 24th is:

Greenfield Park

12:45 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend and deliver remarks at BBQ for St. Jean Baptiste Day. He will be joined by members of the Quebec Caucus.

Cynthia Coull Arena
195 Empire Street
Greenfield Park, QC
J4V1T9.

*Open to Media*

NOTE: Entry only via Churchill and Empire entrance. Members of the media will need proper identification to be accredited

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

June 23, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following statement to mark the fourth annual National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:

"On this day, the anniversary of the worst terrorist incident in Canadian history – the bombing of Air India flight 182 – we pause to remember those who have lost their lives through acts of terror here in Canada and around the world.

"As incidents such as the bombing of Air India Flight 182 on June 23, 1985, and the attacks of September 11, 2001, have shown, Canadians are not immune from the threat of terrorism.

"We take this day to honour the victims of terror by commemorating their loss. It is our hope that those who have died will not be forgotten and that those who grieve will find comfort. Our thoughts and prayers will forever be with them.

"The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting the victims of terror and vigilant to preventing such acts of terrorism from happening again."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]