Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, July 1, 2016

Happy birthday, Canada!

Happy 149th birthday, Canada!

My, you’re looking good!

How wonderful to be here with all of you on Canada Day.

We’re gathering on Algonquin traditional territory, and just a week ago, I was in Fort McMurray on Treaty 8 territory.

The fires up there were so devastating. We wanted to show support for everyone who is trying to recover and rebuild.

We were inspired by the people we met.

We visited Fort McKay First Nation, a community of about 500 people, which opened its doors to about 5,000 evacuees.

Think about that.

They welcomed ten times their population!

We met with emergency responders and city staff, some of whom stayed right through the fires to save Fort McMurray.

Think about their bravery!

When the fires started, Canadians from coast to coast to coast gave generously in support of those who lost so much.

It was an example of people coming together!

It was Canada at its best!

And that’s exactly what we’re celebrating today: people coming together on this day, 149 years ago, and creating Canada.

Next year’s the big one—the Sesquicentennial!

Get ready for it!

We have so much to be grateful for and proud of as Canadians.

We’re grateful for the dedication of our men and women in uniform, including those who served 100 years ago this day in the Battle of the Somme and at Beaumont-Hamel, where in 30 minutes they suffered a nearly 90% casualty rate.

Later today we’ll be travelling to St. John’s to remember them.

And we’re so proud of our Olympians, who will be competing in Rio this summer!

Most of all, I’m grateful that Canadians are starting down the road of reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

We’re so lucky to live in Canada, but let’s not forget: we have much work to do to build the better country we all desire.

But today’s for celebrating, so let’s celebrate!

Happy birthday Canada!