Next week, our nation will be celebrating Canada’s 143rd birthday.  From Moncton to Moose Jaw, from Rankin Inlet to Montréal, and from Vancouver to Halifax, thousands of Canadians will be celebrating Canada Day.  In doing so, communities across the country will be showcasing our symbols, our traditions and the talent of our artists.

Canada Day is the perfect day for citizens throughout the country to show their pride in being Canadian.  We have good reason to be proud and to express this pride loud and clear.  We can be proud of the peace, freedom, and citizenship from which we benefit as Canadians.

We will celebrate our remarkable history and the bright outlook for our country’s future.  The year 2010 is definitely one in which Canada is shining brightly on the international stage.

This year, we had the opportunity to show the entire world who we are when the eyes of the world turned to our country for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.  Thanks to our athletes’ excellence in sport, the immense talent of our artists, and the hospitality of our multilingual volunteers, we impressed visitors and television viewers with our culture and quality of life.  The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver were truly Canada’s Games.

This summer, we welcomed the leaders of the world when we hosted the G8 and G20 Summits.

Also, this year Canada proudly welcomes Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as they visit us in Ottawa, our Nation’s Capital, for Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill. They will begin their tour in Halifax on June 28 and will be in Winnipeg and Toronto from July 3 to 6.

In addition to the presence of the Royal Couple, the Canada Day activities taking place in the National Capital Region and across the country will mark the Canadian Naval Centennial. The theme of the Centennial is “Bring the Navy to Canadians.” The events will honour the past, showcase the current Navy, and support the Navy of the future.

This year, in addition to celebrating the 143rd anniversary of Confederation, we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of Canada’s national parks and the 400th anniversary of Cupids in Newfoundland, the first English settlement in our country.

The Government of Canada is also proud to support the Canadian team representing Canada at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India this fall.

Provincially, 2010 has been proclaimed as the Year of the Métis in Saskatchewan.   

Aside from these great achievements, we have demonstrated our talent, courage, and innovation.  We are known around the world for our generosity and openness.  We share the traditions, values, and aspirations that unite us and shape our nation.  Throughout the country, we have also built prosperous communities that are enriched by the contributions of citizens of all backgrounds, who are ready to meet the challenges of our century.

Canada Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s remarkable people, places, and events. It is a key part in building our historical memory and it strengthens Canadians’ identity, solidarity, and sense of belonging.

On this upcoming Canada Day, I invite every Palliser resident to join all Canadians who will be taking part in picnics or barbecues and attending parades, shows, or fireworks displays.  I wish you all a happy Canada Day!