Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks at the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill:
 
“Thank you. Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

“Greetings to fellow Canadians here on Parliament Hill, across our country, and around the world on this, the 143rd anniversary of Confederation.
 
“Happy Canada Day!  
 
“And Your Majesty, welcome to this spectacular party and, on behalf of all Canadians, welcome back to your home away from home!  We are delighted to have our sovereign with us on this special occasion.
 
“I know you will want to join me in extending a warm greeting to Her Excellency the Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, who is representing us as we speak at a very special Canada Day ceremony taking place at the World Expo in Shanghai.
 
“Ladies and gentlemen, this past year has been a great one for our country. We hosted the most vibrant Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games of all time! And at those Olympic and Paralympic Games, our fantastic athletes set a record for the most gold medals that any nation has won at any Winter Games ever!
 
“Canada also hosted the G-8 and G-20 Summits, during which the world’s leaders determined the next steps on the road back to global prosperity.

“And, as Canada chairs the G-8 and G-20 nations, we are leading the world, beginning the recovery from the global recession in the strongest economic position of any country in the world!
 
“And, of course, in Haiti, Afghanistan and elsewhere, Canada is making a positive difference in the world, through the work of our diplomats, our development workers, and the men and women of the Canadian Forces!
 
“Ladies and gentlemen, we should be proud of our history and our heritage.  We have a noble heritage.  The richness of the land first inhabited and fully appreciated by our aboriginal peoples. The steadfast determination and continental ambition of our French pioneers, who were the first to call themselves ‘Canadians.’
 
“The courage and vision of the British adventurers and loyalists, who brought with them our institutions and our freedoms under the Crown.  And, of course, the faith of every immigrant man and woman, from every corner of the globe, who, with the world to choose from, has declared, ‘I will be a Canadian.’  They have made us all the true north, strong and free!
 
“On behalf of my family: Laureen, Ben, and Rachel; and on behalf of the entire Government of Canada, I wish each and every one of you a wonderful Canada Day!
 
“Happy Canada Day !
 
“And, God save the Queen!”