The Celebrate Canada period highlights four major celebrations for the country, starting with National Aboriginal Day on June 21, and continuing through Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, and ending with Canada Day on July 1.

As in previous years, a host of activities are taking place across the country. All Canadians are encouraged to come out and discover the hidden beauty behind Aboriginal traditions, the unique heritage of past and present Francophone communities, and the contributions of the various cultural groups and communities that have enriched our country. Finally, everyone is invited to celebrate our national holiday on July 1.

Our country has been shaped by individual contributions and collective milestones that have made us the proud Canadians we are today. Events we will be commemorating in 2014 include the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences.

With Canada’s 150th anniversary less than three years away in 2017, Celebrate Canada provides a wonderful opportunity to take pride in our accomplishments, learn more about our history and honour all those who have helped build our nation.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to join me during this period of festivities as together we express our pride in everything Canada stands for—a country that is strong, proud and free.