Statement by New Democrat Leader Jack Layton on Canada’s 144th birthday

My friends, today families, friends, and neighbours in communities from St. John’s to Vancouver to Iqaluit will gather to celebrate the 144th birthday of Canada.

We join together and celebrate the heritage and history of this beautiful country. From coast to coast to coast, Canada is filled with great people, places and cultures of which we are extremely proud.

Canada Day is about more than our country growing one year older, it is an opportunity to celebrate the values of tolerance, social justice, and diversity, Canadian values that helped to build this country into one of the greatest places on earth to call home.

On behalf of New Democrats across this country I’m wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday.

Happy Birthday Canada!