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Ottawa, Saturday, July 1st, 2006
Let me begin by telling you what a wonderful opportunity it has been for me to travel across this country over the past nine months. I have been amazed to discover regions I knew little about, to see Canada’s breathtaking natural splendours, and to hear stories that have touched my heart.
Everywhere I went, from Charlottetown to Victoria, from Quebec City to Iqaluit, from a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Toronto to Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories, I have met women, men and young people who are so proud of what they have accomplished, dedicated to their communities, and ready to build a future, not just for themselves but for the good of us all.
Everywhere I went, women, men and young people told me that living in a country where we all enjoy equal rights is a gift not to be taken for granted. Indeed, it is a responsibility. A responsibility that requires each and every one of us to do our part to protect that freedom from anyone who would seek to restrict it. A responsibility that places the public good above the notion of every man for himself, and openness to others above withdrawing into solitude.
I recently celebrated National Aboriginal Day with the people of Fort Simpson who reminded me that our future depends on our ability to transcend our grief and our losses to make the forces of creation triumph over the forces of destruction. This is the lesson that the Aboriginal peoples of this country, our deepest roots in North America, teach us every day. It was they who interpreted for us the spirit of these sweeping landscapes and taught us to take root on this continent.
As commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, I have also witnessed the commitment of our veterans and of the women and men currently deployed in Afghanistan. What can we learn from them? In years gone by, they fought for justice and freedom; and today, they are still fighting for justice and freedom, battling tyranny and oppression, which particularly bear down on women and steal away childhoods.
I would also like to make special mention of the thirteen young Canadians here with us today who took part in the poster challenge, organized by the Department of Canadian Heritage. (Please stand) These young people, representing each province and territory, have put their creative talents to work to bring us their vision of Canada. And in so doing, they remind of why we love this country so much. Their artwork is on display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and I invite everyone to go and have a look.
Today, my friends, let us rejoice in our good fortune, in a world where too many peoples are still struggling with thirst, hunger, misery and violence every day. Let us never take our blessings for granted out of consideration for those who have been so cruelly deprived. Ours is a country of great wealth, from its plains, forests and mountains that nourish us, to the crystal clear waters of our abundant lakes and rivers. And I was reminded of our bountifulness just yesterday when I received a basket of wonderful, fresh farm produce from the farmers of Canada, for which I am very grateful.
Yes, let us rejoice! We are rich in the demographic and cultural diversity that make Canada a microcosm of the entire world. We are rich in the ingenuity of our researchers, the influence of our artists, the compassion and excellence of the individuals we honour each year at Rideau Hall, and our two official languages spoken the world over. And we are free. Free to live out our deepest dreams, free to help improve the lives of those around us.
That is the Canada that I am discovering little by little as I travel from coast to coast to coast. The Canada that we have every reason to be proud of. The Canada that I carry in my heart because of your efforts to make it a better place to live.
Our diversity will always be a cause for celebration. But the time has come for us to reflect on the values we all share, and to celebrate them together.
Happy Canada Day! I love you.