Trudeau hails Canadian values as celebrations kick off marking Canada Day

In his annual Canada Day address, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the country for what he described as its commitment to pluralism, inclusion and fairness, while noting ongoing efforts to right past injustices and pursue reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

"Those are the values that hold us together as Canadians. It's the reason so many people around the world save up everything they have and leave behind everything they know to be part of our story. It's a story that includes injustices, ones that we are confronting on our shared path of reconciliation," Trudeau said in the video, recorded in British Columbia.

"It's a story of learning. Learning that we're stronger not in spite of our differences, but because of them. And it's a story that's still being written by incredible Canadians who step up for their community and country."


Trudeau praised the ongoing efforts of health-care workers, first responders and the armed forces. He said the freedoms Canadians enjoy are "never guaranteed" but are safeguarded everyday by people in this country.

WATCH | Prime minister's Canada Day message:

In a written statement, Governor General Mary Simon reminded Canadians that the country is shaped by many different points of view.

"I encourage Canadians to embrace and celebrate all our voices and all our stories," she wrote. "Lead with empathy, curiosity and dialogue. Advance reconciliation at every opportunity — incorporate it into your work, your school and your lives. This is a lifelong journey, and one that is a shared responsibility. Together, we can shape an inclusive Canada."

WATCH | New Canadian citizens share what Canada Day means to them:

Trudeau and Simon addressed the country as Canada marks its 157th birthday.



Celebrations are taking place from coast to coast to coast on the national holiday. People in Newfoundland and Labrador are marking Memorial Day on Monday as well.

Ottawa crowds in good spirts
In Ottawa, the capital once more held the official Canada Day ceremonies.

Ongoing construction work on Parliament Hill once again pushed this year's main stage to LeBreton Flats Park, about 1.5 kilometres to the west. The major rehabilitation of Centre Block reduced the amount of space available for public events on the lawn in front of the Parliament Buildings.

Under a cloudless July sky, thousands of people dressed in red and white made their way to Ottawa's LeBreton Park Flats for the annual Canada Day celebrations in the national capital.

People were in high spirits as they strolled down Wellington Street to the festival site, taking the airport-style security checks and porta-potties in stride. The sun was blazing by the time things got underway at noon, and many ducked under umbrellas they brought for shade.
Source
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-day-2024-1.7250830