Ottawa, Ontario

July 1, 2017

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canada Day:
“Today, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. We come together as Canadians to celebrate the achievements of our great country, reflect on our past and present, and look boldly toward our future.
“Canada’s story stretches back long before Confederation, to the first people who worked, loved, and built their lives here, and to those who came here centuries later in search of a better life for their families. In 1867, the vision of Sir George-Étienne Cartier and Sir John A. Macdonald, among others, gave rise to Confederation – an early union, and one of the moments that have come to define Canada.
“In the 150 years since, we have continued to grow and define ourselves as a country. We fought valiantly in two world wars, built the infrastructure that would connect us, and enshrined our dearest values – equality, diversity, freedom of the individual, and two official languages – in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These moments, and many others, shaped Canada into the extraordinary country it is today – prosperous, generous, and proud.
“At the heart of Canada’s story are millions of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They exemplify what it means to be Canadian: ambitious aspirations, leadership driven by compassion, and the courage to dream boldly. Whether we were born here or have chosen Canada as our home, this is who we are.
“Ours is a land of Indigenous Peoples, settlers, and newcomers, and our diversity has always been at the core of our success. Canada’s history is built on countless instances of people uniting across their differences to work and thrive together. We express ourselves in French, English, and hundreds of other languages, we practice many faiths, we experience life through different cultures, and yet we are one country. Today, as has been the case for centuries, we are strong not in spite of our differences, but because of them.
“As we mark Canada 150, we also recognize that for many, today is not an occasion for celebration. Indigenous Peoples in this country have faced oppression for centuries. As a society, we must acknowledge and apologize for past wrongs, and chart a path forward for the next 150 years – one in which we continue to build our nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation.
“Our efforts toward reconciliation reflect a deep Canadian tradition – the belief that better is always possible. Our job now is to ensure every Canadian has a real and fair chance at success. We must create the right conditions so that the middle class, and those working hard to join it, can build a better life for themselves and their families.
“Great promise and responsibility await Canada. As we look ahead to the next 150 years, we will continue to rise to the most pressing challenges we face, climate change among the first ones. We will meet these challenges the way we always have – with hard work, determination, and hope.
“On the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we celebrate the millions of Canadians who have come together to make our country the strong, prosperous, and open place it is today. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Canada Day.”

I am a #Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind. ― John G. Diefenbaker

History happened before July 1, 1867, on July 1, 1867 and after July 1, 1867. It happened. One and a half century later, history will/is happening today. All affected, samahani for, zamani za kale - Lo siento for, long time ago...Sorry.

“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”
― L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between

The conference at Charlottetown was the first of three held to establish the terms of Confederation. (George P. Roberts/Library and Archives #Canada). Thank you CBC News.

I understand:

You don't look a day older than 13.82 billion years, #Canada. I mean more than 149...? Fascinating. What is your secret?

I love YOU with ALL my heart. I am immensely grateful for 21 years of the best quality of life I have ever had in close to 13.83 billion years..

😂

Be blessed for all your care globally and at home, here. You do a great deal for example on health care, social services, general public security and so much more. It is like doing dishes and someone is using them right away and you have nothing to show for your work. I get it!

Or being unappreciated.

It does not help when some people feel entitled. - "believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment." ~Internet

There always seems to be something to complain about.

How do you put up with us? How do we put up with you?

Let's not give up, whatever we do.