July 01, 2010

The following is a speech Lee Richardson, M.P. gave at Fort Calgary celebration on Canada Day 2010.

Thank you.

143 years ago, bonfires blazed on Parliament Hill celebrating the birth of a nation. Canada. Who there could have imagined what we would become?

Today we celebrate Canada, our country – we celebrate each other. We celebrate the road we have traveled together since confederation and we celebrate the journey we still have ahead.   Canada is a nation with deep-rooted values – freedom, compassion, tolerance, sharing and a belief in democracy. These values guide and unite us.

We celebrate a nation that embraces personal liberties like freedom of speech, thought, association and religion.

Though we come from various backgrounds, today, Canada Day, is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on what it is to be Canadian. And today we celebrate the journey we have ahead. Canadians understand that an essential part of being Canadian is working together to make our nation even better. By improving our healthcare system, by keeping our economy strong and robust, by protecting our environment, by keeping our communities safe and secure, we forge a common bond. A bond that commits us to making our country the best it can be – with each of us living to our potential. With each of us contributing to each other, to our community and to our country.

On this Canada, as we look at the Canadian flag, let us think of our country and what it stands for. Let us feel not just moved, but inspired. As you look at our flag I hope you feel a bolt of patriotism and feel both proud and humbled to be Canadian.

Today, July 1st, we join with people from coast to coast to coast to say: Happy Birthday Canada!

Thank you and have a great day!