In his annual Canada Day deal with, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the nation for what he described as its dedication to pluralism, inclusion and equity, whereas noting ongoing efforts to proper previous injustices and pursue reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

“These are the values that maintain us collectively as Canadians. It is the explanation so many individuals world wide save up every little thing they’ve and go away behind every little thing they know to be a part of our story. It is a story that features injustices, ones that we’re confronting on our shared path of reconciliation,” Trudeau mentioned within the video, recorded in British Columbia.

“It is a story of studying. Studying that we’re stronger not regardless of our variations, however due to them. And it is a story that is nonetheless being written by unbelievable Canadians who step up for his or her neighborhood and nation.”

Trudeau praised the continued efforts of health-care employees, first responders and the armed forces. He mentioned the freedoms Canadians get pleasure from are “by no means assured” however are safeguarded on a regular basis by folks on this nation.

In a written assertion, Governor Normal Mary Simon reminded Canadians that the nation is formed by many various factors of view.

“I encourage Canadians to embrace and have a good time all our voices and all our tales,” she wrote. “Lead with empathy, curiosity and dialogue. Advance reconciliation at each alternative — incorporate it into your work, your faculty and your lives. This can be a lifelong journey, and one that could be a shared accountability. Collectively, we are able to form an inclusive Canada.”

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

Celebrations are going down from coast to coast to coast on the nationwide vacation. Individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador are marking Memorial Day on Monday as nicely.

Ottawa crowds in good spirts

In Ottawa, the capital as soon as extra held the official Canada Day ceremonies.

Ongoing development work on Parliament Hill as soon as once more pushed this yr’s principal stage to LeBreton Flats Park, about 1.5 kilometres to the west. The main rehabilitation of Centre Block lowered the quantity of house accessible for public occasions on the garden in entrance of the Parliament Buildings.

Underneath a cloudless July sky, 1000’s of individuals wearing crimson and white made their solution to Ottawa’s LeBreton Park Flats for the annual Canada Day celebrations within the nationwide capital.

Individuals have been in excessive spirits as they strolled down Wellington Avenue to the competition web site, taking the airport-style safety checks and porta-potties in stride. The solar was blazing by the point issues bought underway at midday, and lots of ducked below umbrellas they introduced for shade.

Algonquin elder Claudette Commanda opened the occasions with an Indigenous reflection. With a small wood canoe on stage beside her, Commanda spoke about its significance to Indigenous Peoples.

Utilizing the canoe as a logo of hope and therapeutic, she mentioned Indigenous and Canadian youngsters will journey collectively.

“Be taught from the previous, respect the current and honour the long run, for the long run belongs to the youngsters. Collectively allow us to journey in peace and friendship,” she mentioned.

A younger Indigenous dancer in regalia, an Inuit drummer and a Metis dancer carried out through the reflection earlier than they have been joined by three youngsters. The elders and kids handed the canoe to 1 one other as a drummer carried out an honour tune.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland additionally spoke. Freeland was greeted with loud cheers as she mentioned it was time to put aside “our nationwide modesty” and declare that Canada is one of the best nation on the planet.

“Most significantly, ours is a rustic of excellent, sort folks,” she mentioned.

Freeland was there instead of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who provided greetings by way of a recorded video whereas he attended occasions in St. John’s, N.L. There was a ripple of shock via the group when Freeland launched the Liberal chief and he appeared on a display screen as a substitute of in particular person.

The Royal Canadian Air Drive carried out a ceremonial flypast, that includes dozens of plane. The RCAF this yr is celebrating 100 years since its founding.

Canada Day within the U.S.

Celebrations additionally occurred throughout the border on the Canadian Embassy in Washington. 

Households wearing crimson and white gathered to have a good time dwelling away from dwelling. The embassy’s Canada Day celebrations aimed to recreate a block occasion north of the worldwide border with meals, family and friends. Canadian music performed as youngsters tried to throw a beanbag in a giggle-filled recreation of cornhole. 

“At present is about celebrating Canada. It is about celebrating our folks, our values,” mentioned Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S.

Hillman thanked People for collaborating within the occasion. She mentioned the connection between Canada and the US is the envy of the world.

“We’re buddies. We’re companions. We’re allies,” she mentioned. “It is one thing that we should not take as a right.”

Trudeau in N.L. for Memorial Day

The prime minister and Governor Normal participated in a number of ceremonies in Newfoundland and Labrador immediately, together with the entombment of Newfoundland’s Unknown Soldier, who died over 100 years in the past in France through the First World Battle.

CBC marked Canada Day with two CBC Information specials, a radio particular paying tribute to a Canadian musical icon and a night present to unite music lovers throughout the nation.

You could find out how you can observe the day’s celebrations right here.