“Today, we celebrate each other. We are a nation of kind,
compassionate, hardworking people, as remarkable and diverse as
the places we call home all across Canada. Ours is a country
that spans three oceans, six time zones, and ten million square
kilometres of breathtaking landscape, built and bound by a great
conviction: that we are strongest when we are united.
That conviction
was declared at our Confederation in 1867 – a founding bet that
together we could build something greater than the sum of our
parts. It was laid down in steel in 1885, when a national
railway linked east to west. And it crossed a continent again in
1962, when the Trans-Canada Highway opened, connecting
communities from St. John’s to Victoria.
Canadians have
never just imagined a stronger, more united country. We’ve
picked up our tools and built one.
At this
decisive moment, we are choosing to build big once again – with
Canadian workers, Canadian materials, and Canadian values.
Choosing Canadian produce. Rediscovering our own country, from
the Cabot Trail to the Columbia Icefield, from the Bay of Fundy
to the northern lights. Small acts of solidarity, repeated
millions of times, proving that together we can give ourselves
far more than anyone could ever take away.
There will
always be forces that want to divide us. They forget this
country’s founding insight: that unity is not uniformity, that
our differences are strengths to nurture rather than risks to
manage, and that our values serve as an unshakeable foundation.
When we show
kindness, kindness grows. When we seek unity, unity grows. When
we are Canadian, Canada grows. Happy Canada Day.”
Message from
the Governor General on Canada Day
July 1st, 2026
Dear Canadians,
I am extremely happy, enthusiastic and particularly grateful to
be celebrating my first Canada Day with you as governor general.
I have known Canada both up close and from afar.
Here at home, I’ve discovered a wealth of perspectives that are
freely expressed—a space where people can innovate, explore and
reinvent themselves.
And abroad, wherever I was working, I was always very proud to
identify myself as Canadian.
The world is watching the country that we are building together.
A country that shines in many spheres and yet is realistic about
the challenges ahead: persistent inequalities and issues that
still too often divide us.
We are a country always striving to do better. Our work towards
reconciliation and amplifying Indigenous voices is a good
example of this, one that has not gone unnoticed on the global
stage.
This country is home to great artists, athletes, innovators and
scientists, but also to thousands of citizens who reach out to
each other and demonstrate our common humanity, compassion and
solidarity.
Each of you is helping to move Canada forward and shape our
place in the world of tomorrow.
You inspire in me a sense of pride, ambition and confidence.
Whether you’re in a remote area, a big city, with family or with
friends, let’s celebrate together what unites us, not despite
our differences but through them: our ability to welcome others,
our solidarity, our resources and our great potential.
Happy Canada Day!
Louise Arbour
Canada Day
2026 national noon ceremony - July 1
Celebrations for Canada's 159th birthday are held at Lebreton
Flats in Ottawa.
Louise Arbour
celebrates her first Canada Day as Governor General - July 1
After being sworn in as Canada’s 31st Governor General, Louise
Arbour celebrates her first Canada Day in the role.
Watch PM
Carney’s full address at the Canada Day celebration in Ottawa -
Jul 1, 2026
Prime Minister Carney lauded Canadians for standing united ‘in
the face of a dangerous and divided world’ during his Canada Day
speech.
Canada Enters
Eurovision in 2027 — Here's the Geopolitics Nobody's Talking
About - July 1
Canada just did something it hasn't done in 69 years — it walked
onto Europe's biggest stage as a full member, not a guest.
Last week, CBC/Radio-Canada quietly became a full member of the
European Broadcasting Union. In 2027, Canada competes at
Eurovision for the first time ever — in Sofia, Bulgaria, in a
contest still reeling from a five-country walkout. This isn't
showbiz. This is strategy.
Canada Day
2026: Celebrate from coast-to-coast | CBC News Special - July 1
CBC's special coverage continues from across the country as
people celebrate Canada's 159th birthday, though severe weather
has led to the cancellation of evening festivities in Ottawa,
including fireworks. Ian Hanomansing and Gloria Macarenko host
live from Alberta.
