The prime minister said the date marking Canada’s 155th anniversary of confederation offers an opportunity to embrace the values represented by the Maple Leaf, adding that the flag is more than a symbol. “It is also a promise – a promise of opportunity, a promise of safety for those fleeing violence and war and a promise of a better life,” he said. An unprecedented level of security met locals and visitors in the nation’s capital Friday for the first in-person Canada Day events in Ottawa since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. CLOCKS “Today we celebrate the country we love”: prime minister
“Today we celebrate the country we love”: prime minister
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says in his Canada Day message that the country is strong because of its diversity, but also notes that historical mistakes make it difficult for some people to celebrate. Police had a highly visible presence throughout the downtown core, with teams of officers walking the streets and cars lining the entrance to LeBreton Flats Park, where the main festivities are set to take place. Guests had to go through airport-style metal detectors and have their bags searched before entering. Among the first arrivals were Donna Marzolf and her 12-year-old daughter Alexis Livingstone, who traveled from Calgary to join the celebration and secure front-row seats to the main stage. Alexis, wearing a Maple Leaf T-shirt and holding a small Canadian flag, said she was especially excited to see her twin sister Sophia perform O Canada at the festivities as part of the Calgary Children’s Choir. Their mother said the day was a celebration of “peace, security and freedom – although that kind of has a bad connotation at the moment”. Karen MacDonald flew in from Ladner, BC, for her first visit to Ottawa. “It’s very exciting for me to be here personally,” he said. “So many different people in town wear red and white, with flags. My stomach hurts with pride.” Along with people celebrating the holiday, an entourage of protesters opposing the COVID-19 restrictions — often draped in Canadian flags — are planning events in Ottawa on Friday. But the National War Memorial, which was the site of a large gathering Thursday afternoon, was quiet early on Canada Day as a handful of visitors snapped photos.
The streets of the center are closed to vehicles
Small groups of people were screened by metal detectors at the entrances to Parliament Hill as a calm but celebratory crowd wandered through city center streets closed to vehicles Trudeau’s official holiday message, released Friday morning, described Canada as strong because of the diversity among its roughly 38 million people. “No matter what our faith is, where we were born, what color our skin is, what language we speak or who we love, we are all equal members of this great country,” he said. “And today we celebrate the place we all call home.” The prime minister also spoke about Canada’s “historic mistakes,” saying that while we can’t change history, we can work to build a better future. CLOCKS The Governor General issues the first Canada Day message:
The Governor General gives the first Canada Day message
Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon calls on Canadians to continue working together to build an inclusive society in her first Canada Day speech. Simon is the first indigenous person to hold the position. Governor General Mary Simon released her own Canada Day speech calling on Canadians to work together to build an inclusive society. He urged people to be kind to each other, learn from each other and listen to the Indigenous Peoples, on whose land we live. The Governor General is set to address an official celebration in Ottawa on Friday, which will be attended by the prime minister.
