Statement

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

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada to mark Canada Day

July 1, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks on Canada Day:

"To Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests and my fellow Canadians here on Parliament Hill, across Canada and around the world, Happy Canada Day everybody.

"What a great day. What a great crowd. I thought we had a big crowd last year, but I think this is the biggest yet.

"Today our Confederation, our country, is 144 years old. But, having just recently travelled all across this great land, I think it is more accurate to say that Canada is 144 years young.

"Our country is barely scratching the surface of its full potential, be it here at home or on the international scene.

"When I look out across this vast, joyful sea of red and white, I see a country that's just brimming with confidence: Strong, united, peaceful, prosperous.

"A Canada that's proud of its long history and secure in its present.

"A Canada rising.

"An optimistic Canada.

"A Canada that will accept no limits, no bounds, and no ceiling to its great future. That's what I see.

"Ladies and gentlemen, no wonder we call ourselves the best country in the world.

"Ladies and gentlemen, there is something special about our country: not just its remarkable history, but its unbeatable spirit.

"And that is the spirit that has been leading us out of the global recession in the best position in the world.

"It's the spirit of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, in Libya, all around the world; the men and women of the Forces who so inspire us as Canadians.

"And today, Ladies and gentlemen, we are especially blessed.

"We have two special guests joining our national celebrations.

"They are the world's most famous newlyweds.

"A young couple who represent an unbreakable link with our past and our unqualified optimism for the future.

"Now, in that great Canadian summer tradition, they are about to strike off on a cross-Canada tour, with stops in Montreal, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Summerside, Yellowknife and Calgary, among others.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in offering our warmest Canada Day welcome. Congratulations and bon voyage to their newly married Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"On behalf of my family: Laureen, Ben, and Rachel; and on behalf of the Government of Canada, Happy Canada Day."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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