Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the following remarks on Canada Day:
“Thank you Shelly, Governor General Johnston and Sharon Johnston, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Happy Canada Day! One hundred and fifty years ago, the Fathers of Confederation, our ancestors, met in Charlottetown, and Quebec. In 1864, our Fathers of Confederation dreamed a magnificent dream, a dream of a united Canada that would take its place among the countries of the world; prosperous, strong and free. 147 years later, this is their dream, Canada, a confident partner, a courageous warrior, a compassionate neighbour. Canada, the best country in the world!
Now, Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that greatness springs up from the hearts of a people. In Canada’s heart, our national desire, is to do what is right and good. It is the true character of the Canadian people, and the expectation they place on their government. We act, based on those principles, to lead instead of follow. To be good friends; and to honour our commitments. So ladies and gentlemen, let us celebrate those Canadians who make our Canada great, our men and women in uniform, who keep our streets and loved ones safe, and, as we have tragically seen in Moncton recently, sometimes tragically make the ultimate sacrifice; The members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who stand on guard, and who have given their lives time after time, so that people around the world might also know freedom, democracy and justice.