PRIME Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday said in a statement on Canada Day: “One hundred and fifty-eight years ago, a few provinces bet on the idea that they’d be stronger together than they ever could be apart. They were right, and so they became a new federation that’s now grown into our strong, bilingual, multicultural, and ambitious country.
“Our story didn’t begin at Confederation. For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have called this land home, and our country’s next chapter will be written together in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
“Our shared history has been marked by inflection points. Moments where Canada has had to step up – on the battlefield of Vimy, on the beaches of Normandy, in the homes of Gander after 9/11.
“Now, we face another such moment. The world is changing. Old friendships are fraying, our economy is being buffeted by a trade crisis, and our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms.
“In a more divided and dangerous world, Canadians are uniting. Together, we will build one Canadian economy – connected by major projects, powered by Canadian energy, transformed by Canadian technology, and crafted by Canadian workers. Together, we’re breaking down barriers across the country so you can buy Canadian everywhere and work anywhere. Together, we’ll rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in our Armed Forces – because Canadian leadership is defined not only by the strength of our values, but also by the value of our strength.
“This is the greatest nation on earth. Our destiny is to make it greater still – not by what we say, but by what we do. Happy Canada Day.”
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PREMIER David Eby said: “Today, millions of people across our vast, beautiful land – from Bonavista to Vancouver Island, from the Arctic Circle to the Great Lakes waters – are celebrating Canada Day.
“People will gather to enjoy food and fireworks, as well as parties and parades. This is a wonderful time for communities to gather and celebrate our peaceful and democratic country.
“This Canada Day is unlike any other in recent memory, as we face unprecedented economic and political threats. Those dangers have sharpened our appreciation for what we have accomplished in building the Canada we love, including such monumental achievements as a public health-care system. To be Canadian is to be proud of the way we take care of each other.
“The challenges we face in improving our country are many. We do so confident that we will find solutions by working together. Even as we debate our differences with vigour, we keep in mind far more unites us than divides us.
“The Canada of today is the result of a long history of compromise and negotiation, reflecting the Canadian values of fairness, generosity and humility. We should be proud of the role Canada has played in the world. We have answered the call to combat tyranny, and have also been ardent peacekeepers in troubled lands. We have welcomed waves of newcomers throughout our history, and we are proud today to be able to offer sanctuary to people from war-torn countries who seek peace and security.
“The pride we feel for our country does not mean we ignore our own troubled and complicated history. Canada Day offers an opportunity for reflection on the impact of colonialism on generations of Indigenous Peoples. Our government is dedicated to addressing these matters in a spirit of reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
“The work of building a better Canada is never done, as nation building is an assignment without end. We will always seek to make a country that in every way is more peaceful, more prosperous and more democratic for ourselves, our families, our neighbours, our communities and for all who call this land home. An important part of that is our desire in British Columbia to build an economy that works for everyone.
“Let’s take the opportunity this Canada Day to remind ourselves of what we have accomplished together. Happy Canada Day!”
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CONSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “This Canada Day is special. After years of seeing our history denigrated and our nationhood demeaned, Canadians have rallied to remind the world that we are a proud and sovereign people. We are citizens and stewards of a vast and storied country that will be ruled by no one but ourselves.
“As we face new threats to our freedom and prosperity, we take renewed pride in our unique heritage.
“Our constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy can trace their origins back over eight centuries to the Magna Carta, and brought the traditions of British liberty to these shores.
“We are a proud member of both the English and French-speaking worlds, and home to countless Indigenous communities whose histories date back millennia.
“Our Canadian Armed Forces have shown courage and professionalism in conflicts across the globe, while heroes like Sir John A. MacDonald, Laura Secord and Terry Fox have inspired generations of our people.
“While our past is proud, the future feels uncertain. Unjustified and illegal tariffs and the high cost of living make life harder for many families, while our country seems more divided than ever by age, region and class.
“But history shows us that we have overcome such challenges before. So this Canada Day, let the lessons of our past inspire hope for our tomorrow. Together, let’s build a Canada that is safe, self-reliant and united.
“Happy Canada Day!”
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FEDERAL NDP Leader Don Davies said: “Today, we proudly celebrate Canada—our home, the true North strong and free.
Over the past year, Canadians have faced serious challenges. From Donald Trump’s reckless trade war to his attacks on our sovereignty, our workers, our economy and the values that unite us as a people, we’ve endured much.
But in true Canadian spirit, we stood firm—together, resilient, and unshaken. We sent a clear message to the world: Canada is strong, independent, and will never be anyone’s 51st state.
In Canada, we take care of one another. Our universal public health care system reflects our shared belief that no one should go bankrupt to access the care they need. That’s what it means to build a society based on fairness, compassion and dignity.
Canadians also believe in peace, justice, and diplomacy. We want Canada to be a global leader in the rule of law and always stand on the side of human rights and democracy.
Canada Day is also a time to reflect on the work needed to build a more just and inclusive society. This includes acknowledging that, for many Indigenous Peoples, today marks a painful history of displacement and genocide. True reconciliation requires recognizing this with respect, honesty and taking action.
As we gather today in communities, let us remember what makes us proud: our diversity, our solidarity and our unyielding commitment to one another.
Let’s celebrate our country and the values that make it truly great, and commit to work together to make it even better.
From all of us in the New Democratic Party, we wish you and your family a joyful, safe, and meaningful Canada Day.
Happy Canada Day!”