OTTAWA—As Canada Day celebrations kicked off in Ottawa, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland called for Canadians to “set aside our national modesty” and recognize the country as the best in the world.
“Our work is and always will be unfinished. There are old problems we have yet to solve, and fresh challenges for us to meet,” the deputy prime minister said during an address at the annual Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Park Flats.
“But today is the one day of the year when we can set aside our national modesty and proudly declare that our Canada, our true north, strong and free, is the best country in the world.”
Throughout the day, thousands of people wearing red and white crowded downtown Ottawa for the celebrations, which stretched from Parliament Hill to LeBreton Flats Park. The construction of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill had reduced the space available for public events on the lawn in front of Parliament.
The crowds of people walking down Wellington Street were greeted by live music and street performers, small groups of protestors, and several booths selling merchandise.
The live events at LeBreton Flats included musicians such as Bedouin Soundclash and Montreal artist Marie-Mai, while athletes set to represent Canada at the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris this summer also took part. Algonquin elder Claudette Commanda also kicked off the events with a speech about indigenous and Canadian children, being followed by a musical performance by an indigenous and Metis dancer and an Inuit drummer.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, usually in Ottawa for July 1, was not in attendance at the event. Mr. Trudeau was in Newfoundland to commemorate an Unknown Soldier being laid to rest at the refurbished Newfoundland National War Memorial.
A video address from Mr. Trudeau was played at LeBreton Flats, where he apologized for not being present “today for this incredible show.” The prime minister said Canada’s “incredible” story had begun more than 157 years ago with the indigenous peoples who had called Canada home.
The prime minister praised the country’s rights and freedoms, but said that they are “never guaranteed.” He said they are “safeguarded” by journalists, activists, organizers, and “people who want to keep building a country where we can disagree, sometimes passionately, but where we always come together in the pursuit of something greater than ourselves.”
“Those are the values that hold us together as Canadians. It’s the reason so many people around the world save up everything they have, and leave behind everything they know, to be part of our story,” he said.
On the X platform, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre complimented Canada as being an “inventive” nation with much to celebrate. He also highlighted the efforts of “extraordinary” Canadians such as doctors, police officers, and farmers.
“On Canada Day, we celebrate the ancient liberties that free these extraordinary people to do these extraordinary things,” he said.
Celebrating Canada
Mike Beautre told The Epoch Times he believes Canadians don’t celebrate their country enough, but “on one day a year, we go crazy and let it out.”Ruben Avila, who was protesting alongside a few dozen people connected to the “Freedom” movement, told The Epoch Times that Canada Day meant a chance for him to protest against the government while also celebrating being Canadian.
“Protest is an essential aspect of being Canadian and of democracy,” he said. “How more Canadian can you be when you walk down the street and you see warplanes zooming overhead, people of all different faiths, languages, colours ... dancing and doing performances ... it’s such a beautiful mix of people.”
Julie Ferguson, who volunteers to help new immigrants and homeless Canadians, said coming back after living overseas for 15 years made her appreciate Canada more. Ms. Ferguson said she appreciates Canada’s cultural diversity and the beauty of Ottawa, but said she wanted the government to provide more help for homeless Canadians facing drug addiction.
