Canada Day: Trudeau says flag represents promise of a better life

Ottawa-

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls on Canadians to renew their commitment to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness, in his official Canada Day message.

The prime minister said the national holiday is an opportunity to commit to the values ​​represented by the maple leaf, adding that the flag is more than a symbol.

« It’s 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.

In addition to the people celebrating the holiday, protesters from the convoy opposing the COVID-19 restrictions – who often drape themselves in Canadian flags – will converge on Ottawa on Friday.

In his message, the Prime Minister says Canada, with 38 million people, is strong because of its diversity, from Indigenous people to those who have only been here a few weeks.

“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. »

In apparent reference to treatment of Indigenous peoples, including in residential schools, Prime Minister spoke of Canada’s ‘historic wrongs’, saying while we can’t change history, we can work to build a better future .

In her official Canada Day message, Governor General Mary Simon said Canadians should work together to build an inclusive society.

She urged people to be kind to each other, to learn from each other and to listen to the indigenous peoples, on whose lands we live.

The governor general is due to deliver a speech at official celebrations in Ottawa on Friday, which the prime minister will also attend.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 1, 2022.