Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, July 1st, 2013

As I have travelled across this blessed country, I have met with so many Canadians who, like Hélène Campbell, are making Canada a truly magnificent nation.

And we are fortunate to have with us today another of these great Canadians!

By bringing his life aboard the International Space Station into our homes, Chris Hadfield reignited our interest in and passion for space. Through our conversations, I know the love he has for Canada and his great devotion to discovery. And so, I was delighted, just a few days ago, to present Chris with a very special honour: the Meritorious Service Cross.

It is so important to recognize and express our appreciation for those who embody our ideals of valour, service and excellence. The recipients of these honours inspire all of us with their actions.

But today, we also celebrate everyone who works so hard throughout our country to improve our lives—those whose deeds go unseen and unsung.

Take, for instance, our men and women in uniform and the thousands of volunteers who continue to help after the recent flooding in Alberta. Or every single Albertan who has shown us that adversity cannot dampen the spirit of the province or its people.

It is these types of stories about Canadians—largely untold—that defines this nation.

That is, after all, what Canada Day is all about: celebrating the people who make this country what it is.

So let me thank you—every Canadian who gives back to his or her community; every Canadian who takes risks; every Canadian who reaches for a dream; every Canadian who has made and continues to make Canada a truly great country!

We have so much talent, so much creativity, so much ingenuity. So I challenge you this year to do and give what you can, to make our country smarter and more caring, fairer and more just, stronger and more united.

Let me finish by paying tribute to another of our great Canadians, one who sadly passed away earlier this year: Canadian icon Stompin’ Tom Connors.

Stompin’ Tom truly loved Canada. So let me borrow from one of his most beloved songs about this country, and say:

Hello out there!
We’re on the air!
It’s Canada Day today!

Happy birthday, Canada!