Canadians Celebrate 158 Years with Messages of Unity and Hope
Canadians across the country gathered to celebrate the 158th anniversary of Canada’s founding. Prime Minister Mark Carney gave his first Canada Day address, focusing on the importance of unity in today’s changing world.
“158 years ago, a few provinces came together believing they would be stronger united. They were right,” Carney said in a video message. “Today, we are a proud, bilingual, multicultural, and ambitious country.”
He added that the future of Canada includes working in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to build the next chapter of the country’s story.
At a Canada Day event in Ottawa, Carney also spoke about the challenges Canada is facing. He mentioned the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. and rising threats to democracy and freedom. “We must resist those attacks,” he said.
This year’s Canada Day also marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag and the 45th anniversary of “O Canada” as the national anthem.
At the celebrations in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park, Prince Edward joined in, praising Canadian unity. “Today is truly a celebration of you, your home, and your land — strong and free,” said the Duke of Edinburgh.
The event featured music, Indigenous cultural performances, and a double flyover by the Snowbirds, Canada’s military jets. Officials say around 8,000 people attended.
Governor General Mary Simon also spoke, saying reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples begins by listening, remembering the past, and supporting healing and strength. “Kindness is the thread that weaves our communities together,” she said.
In an interview, Carney said Canada is working hard to reach a fair trade deal with the U.S. before the July 21 deadline. “If it’s a good deal for Canadians, we’ll agree to it. If it’s not, we won’t,” he said.
When asked about growing separatist talk in Alberta, Carney said he remembers similar tensions from when he was young. “What happened then is people came together. Alberta’s a great province, and Canada is an even greater country. We’ll come together again.”
Carney ended his message with hope: “This is the greatest nation on Earth. Our goal is to make it even greater — not by what we say, but by what we do. Happy Canada Day.”
