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Instrumental music plays.

Mme. Payette: And it's more essential than ever that we collaborate to make sure that we leave this planet in good state for the benefit of our communities and for the futures of our children.

Background chatter and music play.

Mme. Payette: It is not important, it is absolutely essential to have a facility like the one we have behind us. Canada has contributed 4.25 million towards this facility, and we will continue to collaborate with you in this important effort.

Mme Payette speaks to students: Do you guys know what this is? A space shuttle.

Background chatter.

Image with text: Cindy Blackstock, O.C Ottawa Ontario

Together with Elders, leaders, children and young people of all diversities, Cindy Blackstock has been an articulate voice in the collective effort to improve conditions for Indigenous children and families.

Speech in video: I'm honoured to be a part of a collective of many people. Not only in this current generation, but the ancestors from the past who have struggled to ensure that this is the generation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children who never have to recover from their childhoods, and a generation of non-Indigenous children who never have to say they're sorry, and so being a part of that collective work and representing that collective work about getting equity for First Nations children, that's why I have the privilege of being in this company today.

Intro: Piano music plays

Voice-over: A scientist, an environmental advocate, Roberta Bondar, continues to inspire Canadians.

Roberta Bondar: It's a historic moment when, for example, there are all women companions and then the Governor General's an astronaut and then the first one up that's a companion is an astronaut, so to me it was a historic time in Canadian history. I mean really, when will we get to that again? So that itself was incredible. I do find events that recognize excellence are one's that make us proud of that person's accomplishment, but also what we can accomplish in the country, and that's what I feel. It's not, it's not just about me as a person, maybe about what I've accomplished, but it's about what we're able to accomplish and the kinds of things that can inspire other people.

Hello everyone!

Have you ever seen the National Film Board film Paddle to the Sea? You know, the 1966 classic? It tells the tale of an Indigenous boy who carved a man in a wooden canoe and set it out on a journey to the sea. We follow the canoe as it makes its way from Lake Superior to the great Atlantic Ocean. An odyssey that shows how we—the people of Canada—are connected by our stunning geography and our love of the land.

More than half a century later, the story of Paddle to the Sea’s adventures still resonates. Because we are indeed all connected. We share values, cultures, interests. And we are fortunate to be tied together by such a diverse, beautiful, bountiful country.

There is no shortage of opportunities in Canada, in the towns and the cities, in the countryside, everywhere, opportunities to explore, to discover and to learn. Learn about ourselves and learn from each other.

I am fortunate to journey from coast to coast to coast and to be able to see how Canadians are connected.

Today we’re on the Rideau. Kayaking.

How fitting for Canada Day to be paddling on a river system that connects the St-Lawrence sea way all the way to the Beaufort Sea, using a brilliant invention of the people of North America’s Arctic. A kayak—a man’s boat—that was originally designed for hunting, highly maneuverable in shallow or breaking waters, perfect to creep over a prey. Now it is also used for fun and sightseeing. The kayak is a tribute to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Inuit people.

I do not know where you will be in Canada as we celebrate the country’s 152nd birthday. I hope you will be somewhere unique and special to you—perhaps

…by a campfire in one of our great parks,

…walking the trails on the West coast or the East coast,

…watching a game, or fireworks in Toronto,

…sitting with a friend at a café in Montréal or Saskatoon,

…or enjoying one of the countless lakes and rivers that knit our country together.

I hope you are out and about, regardless of what Mother Nature sends our way.

After all, we are a land of four solid seasons and it is not a little rain or a little snow that will stop us. In fact, that is another of our connections. Nothing brings Canadians together like a good discussion about our weather—and this year, we’ve certainly seen it all!

Whether you were born here or chose to come and live here, wherever you happen to be, Canada Day is your celebration.

It is about coming together in our communities, with friends, neighbours and family. To celebrate this life we share. To celebrate who we are.

Rain or shine.

And so it’s from a kayak on the banks of the Rideau River that I wish you all the best on this Canada Day.

They fought for the ideals of peace and to defend our liberties. Many were wounded in their body and in their soul. Many paid the ultimate price. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude. We must never forget their sacrifice and the terrible costs of war. Let us never take freedom for granted, and stand up for equality and tolerance.

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Whether at Vimy, on the beaches of Normandy or on the banks of the Scheldt, in the streets of Ortona or in South-east Asia, and later in Korea, the Gulf, in Afghanistan, peacekeeping in various corners of the world, Canadians have always served - and continue to serve - bravely, selflessly and with great distinction. We have a duty to remember. Today and always.

Hello everyone!

You must have noticed that the eyes of the world are currently focused on ‘The Beautiful Game’.

And in 8 years’ time, it will be Canada’s turn to co-host the World Cup and be the centre of attention.

It will be an historic occasion – and a chance for Canada to demonstrate that the values of soccer – well, the values of sports, really -- are Canadian values. Teamwork, perseverance, fair play, excellence.

I’ve been Governor General for almost a year now and it’s been a quite a ride! As I make my way to every province and territory from coast to coast to coast I am privileged to meet exceptional Canadians from all origins and to see Canada from a new perspective.

I had the opportunity to cheer on our Canadian athletes in PyeongChang. It was Canada’s best-ever showing at games. They make us so proud!

I’ve met men and women in uniform and their families. They serve and defend our country here and elsewhere in the world.

I’ve been so impressed by the warmth, wisdom and know-how of Indigenous peoples. They enrich our society in so many ways.

And one of my favourite things is to meet young people who are so curious and full of ideas. They are our future.

We are fortunate. Canada is a country where so much is possible and where we can dare to dream. But let us not forget to be true to our values. And to remain open, caring and engaged.

Hey, summer has reached our northern latitudes. On this Canada Day and onward, I encourage you to appreciate and discover our vast country in your own way. Have fun and make the most of this beautiful season.

I for one love to be outside and I take every opportunity to get moving. I don’t have the talent of Christine Sinclair and I’ll never play in a World Cup – but I don’t let that stop me.

I just wish I could bike more often. Anything to keep mind and body active!

Wherever you are today, whether you’re in in Canada or abroad, wear your maple leaf proudly. This is your celebration.

Happy Canada Day!

One hundred years ago – on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – the First World War finally came to a close. It was supposed to be the war to end all wars.

For those who lived a century ago, this moment marked the end of a long, painful and devastating chapter in our history.

Much changed in the world following the war. Canada, for one, emerged with greater independence and a new standing among nations.

But it was all achieved at a terrible cost. 66,000 killed. 172,000 wounded. The sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform – and by their families and loved ones here in Canada – were immense.

Canadians fought bravely through the mud and the horror of war. Together they formed some of the most effective units on the Western Front. And as such they earned the respect and gratitude of all.

A century later, we remember. And to this day, we have a tradition. We wear the poppy. A flower that thrived in the battlefields of Flanders.

I was a student in Wales in my teenage years when I first visited the fields of Flanders. I will never forget.

I have just returned from Belgium where I honoured those who served and who fell in battle.

Here in Canada, on Remembrance Day, it is important that we pause. We stand in silence.

We honour those who have served our country – and those who continue to serve – in times of war, conflict and peace.

At this time, we give thanks to the 2 million Canadians who have worn a military uniform, from Confederation to the present.

We think of all those who have been injured, in body and in mind. • We remember those who have given their lives.

We’re also grateful to their families, who have suffered losses, and who have been so strong.

 I am very proud to be part of the military family. As Commander-in-Chief, I have the privilege of visiting with members across Canada and abroad, and of wearing the uniform and symbols that make our country proud.

On this 100th anniversary of the Armistice, marking the end of the First World War, let us pay tribute to our veterans and military members. Let us celebrate them as national heroes.

And let us honour their bravery and their sacrifice by working together for a more peaceful world.

Today and always.

Lest we forget.