HAPPY CANADA DAY -- NANAIMO

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement today in recognition of Canada Day:

“I am proud to join British Columbians and Canadians across the country in celebrating the 141^st anniversary of confederation.

“Here in British Columbia we have even more to celebrate this year with activities and projects across the province commemorating BC150 - 150 years of achievement, cultural diversity and community strength since the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858.

“Each year on Canada Day I am reminded again of how fortunate we are to live in British Columbia, a place of natural riches and beauty, a place that attracts people from around the world to live, work and raise their families.

“Canada Day is our national celebration. It’s also a time to reflect on what makes our country strong. The contributions of our immigrants combined with the achievements of our First Nations and our unique Aboriginal heritage have helped create one of the most multicultural societies anywhere on earth. That’s truly something to celebrate.

“We also remember on Canada Day the men and women who have both defined and defended our freedoms – from those who fought on the battlefields of Vimy Ridge, Normandy, Holland and Korea to the troops courageously serving today in places like Afghanistan.

“Since 1867 Canada has grown and prospered beyond anything the founders of confederation could have imagined. I encourage all British Columbians to think today not only about how far we have come as a country, but also about what kind of country and what kind of world we want our legacy to be.

“I wish all British Columbians a happy and safe Canada Day.”