Freeland Commends Canada as the ‘Best Country in the World’ during Ottawa’s Canada Day Celebrations

July 1, 2024 TruthUSA

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, small groups of protestors, and booths selling merchandise.

At 1 p.m., attendees enjoyed a fly-by by the Royal Canadian Air Force, which showcased over two dozen aircraft to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The planes and helicopters flew low along the Ottawa River, over Parliament Hill, and through LeBreton Flats while thousands watched on.

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.

Ms. Freeland’s address was the first time she attended a Canada Day ceremony in an official capacity since becoming deputy prime minister in 2019, according to her public daily itineraries.

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.

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