Carney Marks Canada Day With Speech About Unity and National Pride

Canadian identity and unity were the themes of the day as Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to thousands of red and white clad festival-goers at Ottawa’s annual Canada Day celebrations.

In his first Canada Day address as prime minister, Carney emphasized the need for Canadians to unite and focus on building a better and stronger country in the face of tariffs and the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.

“We find ourselves in a situation where our economy is being attacked by a trade war that we didn’t start,” he told the crowd at LeBreton Park Flats, the park that plays host to the annual Canada Day celebrations.

“We find ourselves in a situation where our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms—attacks that we must resist,” he added. “Our response is to build a strong country.”

Carney touted his government’s newly approved One Canadian Economy Act, formerly known as Bill C-5, during his 10-minute speech. The legislation received almost unanimous approval from MPs on June 20, shortly before the House adjourned for its summer break. It received Senate approval and royal assent on June 26 to become law.

The act removes federal barriers to interprovincial trade, with Carney emphasizing that it builds “one Canadian economy,” and aims to enable building major projects that are in national interest.

“It’s time that we build twice as many homes using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers, and Canadian lumber,” Carney told the crowd.

“It’s time to build new trade and energy corridors with reliable partners and in partnership with the provinces, the territories, and indigenous peoples to create hundreds of thousands of good jobs in skilled trades, and it’s time to make Canada an energy superpower for energies that are green and conventional.”

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, was on hand for the celebration of Canada’s 158th anniversary and briefly addressed those in attendance.

“Today is about celebrating what we have … what is right, and what unites us,” Prince Edward told the crowd.

“I think I can speak for all my family when I say we take immense pride in Canada and Canadians for all that you do, for the work you do overseas in the global scene, for all those who give back to their communities, for all those who choose to serve their country, especially those in uniform.”

Governor General Mary Simon and Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault also spoke during the festivities. Both focused on what makes Canada unique and national unity in their respective speeches.

Simon spoke in English, French, and her native Inuk language and taught the crowd the Inuktitut word “Ajuinata,” a sentiment of perseverance in the face of adversity that means “don’t give up.” She said it is a sentiment that Canadians must hold on to.

“It is the thread that weaves our communities together,” she said. “It’s what builds this great country.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took to social media to wish Canadians well with a video message that focused heavily on the sacrifices made by earlier generations of “unknown heroes” from soldiers to everyday workers.

“Like them … we must fight for our country—for a country that is strong, self-reliant, sovereign, and stands on its own feet,” Poilievre said in a July 1 post on social media.

“This Canada Day, let us be grateful for all of those who came before us, and let us be worthy of our inheritance by working and fighting every day to pass on a country that is even better to those who will come after us.”

Celebrations and Honours

The live events at LeBreton Flats included a performance by Juno award-winning singer Amanda Marshall and a tribute to Canadian hero Terry Fox. His younger brother Darrell Fox, who is in the middle of a cross-country ride to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation, stopped in Ottawa along with seven other cyclists to attend the celebration.

Dubbed the National Ride of Hope, the 7,000-kilometre journey from Vancouver to St. John’s serves two purposes: to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Fox’s famous Marathon of Hope and to raise $1 million for cancer research.

One of the biggest celebrities in attendance this year was actor Ryan Reynolds. He and Juno-award winning musician Heather Rankin were both invested as officers of the Order of Canada during the festivities. The Order of Canada is the country’s highest civilian honour. 

Reynolds attended the ceremony with his wife, actress Blake Lively. The 48-year-old Vancouver-born actor is best known for playing the Marvel character Deadpool. He was recognized for his involvement in a number of Canadian causes, including Covenant House Vancouver and the Sick Kids Foundation.

St. John’s musician Deantha Rae Edmunds, Winnipeg sportscaster Scott Oake, and Loungueuil, Que., writer Kim Thúy Ly Thanh, were named members of the Order of Canada during the ceremony.

LeBreton Flats Park, located next to the Canada War Museum, was a hub of activity throughout the day with activities for both children and adults. The park is expected to attract large crowds Tuesday night with a concert featuring Sarah MacLaughlin, Tom Cochrane, Randy Bachman, and Roch Voisine. Marshall will also take to the stage again.

The celebrations will end with the city’s annual fireworks show at the park at 10 p.m.