Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the following remarks on Canada Day:
“Thank you, James.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, greetings to all Canadians here on Parliament Hill, across our great country, and around the world, as we celebrate Canada’s 146th anniversary.
“Happy Canada Day!
“And let’s send a special Canada Day greeting to our troops serving overseas.
“You make us all proud.
“What a great day, what a great crowd!
“First, let our thoughts and prayers be with the people of Southern Alberta.
“What an example they set.
“When floods forced so many from their homes, communities dug deep, neighbours helped neighbours and people sheltered complete strangers.
“That’s the spirit that makes Canada the best country in the world.
“The best, bar none.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here before The Peace Tower, a lasting symbol of Canada’s greatness.
“Originally dedicated to Canada’s victories during the First World War, the Peace Tower has come to symbolize our dearest values, that Canada is not just any country, but a people determined to do right – a fact that makes me proud as we approach the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of our country.
“Compassionate neighbours, courageous warriors, and confident partners, a bastion of freedom in an un-free world, a standard-bearer of goodwill, in a time when too many choose to hate, a land of hope in a sea of uncertainty.
“Ladies and gentlemen, that’s our Canada.
“Now, I just want to especially welcome one man who’s here with us today, who has seen more of Canada than most of us.
“In fact, he has seen all of Canada, every square inch of it.
“International Space Station Commander, Chris Hadfield.
Commander Hadfield is a multi-talented individual.
He shared his incredible perspective of Canada with the entire world.
“Chris, you do all that, and you’re a musician too.
“We’re glad you’re back, and we all really look forward to hearing from you.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we also lost a great Canadian this year, a man who spoke for so many when he wrote: ‘Keep the Maple Leaf flying high.’
“So as we celebrate our country today, let me leave you with this, from the late, great Stompin’ Tom Connors: ‘Be the Patriot Canada needs.’
“On behalf of my family, Laureen, Ben, and Rachel, and on behalf of
the Government of Canada, I wish each and every one of you a wonderful Canada Day!
“Happy Canada Day!”
