Message from the prime minister of Canada

NEWS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

************************* Statement by the prime minister on Canada's 141st birthday

OTTAWA, ON - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement marking Canada Day:

Today, Confederation turns 141 years old and there are more reasons than ever to celebrate our country.

2008 is a year of historic anniversaries: the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City by Canada’s first governor, Samuel de Champlain; the 250th anniversary of the establishment of representative government in Nova Scotia, making Canada one of the world’s first democracies; and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Colombia, ensuring our country would one day stretch from sea to sea.

Beyond all that, this year also witnessed an important evolution in Canada’s relationship with our First Peoples.

On that historic day last month when we gathered on Parliament Hill in a spirit of reconciliation, and as National Chief Fontaine said ‘Together we can achieve the greatness our country deserves.’ How right he is.

Together, we are a united federation of strong provinces and territories.

Together, we are healthy families building strong communities.

Together, we are prudent stewards of our precious environment.

Together, we are rich in opportunity and diversity, French and English, aboriginal and multicultural, native-born and newcomers.

And together, we are making a positive difference in the world, led by the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

Fellow Canadians, every day in countless ways, we are working together to achieve the greatness our country deserves.

That’s why on this Canada Day, we are prouder than ever to call ourselves Canadian.

On behalf of Laureen, Ben, and Rachel and the entire Government of Canada, I wish all of you a Happy Canada Day!

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