The Government of Canada is helping to build stronger communities across our great country. We are supporting small businesses, we are investing in community infrastructure, and we are working to make our streets safer for all Canadians.

We are also pleased and proud to be able to partner in activities that celebrate Canada’s history, arts, and heritage.  Celebrate Canada allows Canadians to appreciate Canada’s diversity while honouring people, places, symbols, anniversaries, and the outstanding achievements of their fellow citizens. This is an opportunity for them to express their pride in being Canadian and their sense of belonging to their country.
The festivities on the Celebrate Canada Calendar have become a wonderful tradition.  They provide Canadians from coast to coast to coast with an opportunity to share our pride in this country.
We start with National Aboriginal Day on June 21, a date that corresponds with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.  For generations, many Aboriginal groups have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year.
On June 27, we have Canadian Multiculturalism Day. This is an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and to appreciate the contributions that the various multicultural groups and communities make to Canadian society.
And of course, the grand finale – Canada Day – is on July 1st, a day to gather in our communities and to proudly celebrate all we have in common.  This year, we are honoured that her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be visiting our great nation on Canada Day.
I have been fortunate to make several funding announcements in recent weeks on behalf of my colleague James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.  This includes many Celebrate Canada projects in the Palliser riding, including the Moose Jaw Canada Day Celebration, the Moose Jaw National Aboriginal Day Celebration and the Blacksmith Day/Canada Day Celebration in Mossbank.  I’m pleased that our Government is supporting these important events.
Throughout the 11-day period of festivities, millions of Canadians join together in their communities to celebrate our country and all the features that make Canada a great place to live- our democracy, our spectacular geography, and our wonderful diversity.
As we celebrate Canada, we realize that we are blessed with a rich heritage, one that allows us to look forward and face the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
As a Member of Parliament, one of the most gratifying parts of my job is to help deliver federal government support to worthy recipients.  I am pleased that these events, and others across Canada, have received our support and I look forward to attending some of these celebrations during the summer months.  I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all Palliser constituents to take in a celebration this summer.  Hope to see you there and Celebrate Canada!