Canada National Day, Royals' Visit, Commemorated

Ottawa and Toronto, Canada and Washington, D.C., July 1, 2011

The Center for Public Policy Analysis marked Canada’s 144th National Day, and the visit of the United Kingdom’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at ceremonies and events in Ottawa and Toronto held today.

“We are humbled and pleased to be here to join the Canadian people in celebration of the 144th anniversary of Canada’s independence and to welcome Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge,” said Philip Smith, Executive Director of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA). http://www.centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org

“The Canadian people have a special affection for the newlyweds and Royal Family,” Smith observed. “The timing of their visit to Canada could not have been better, more meaningful and symbolic.”

“The enduring importance of the Atlantic alliance, and the leadership role of the United Kingdom and Canada, is in many ways symbolized by the visit of Price William and Catherine to Ottawa today,” Smith stated.

“As Canadian armed forces celebrate their final National Day in Kandahar, Afghanistan, we are reminded of Canada’s important leadership role with the United Kingdom and other allies in support of international security, peacekeeping and the ongoing war on terrorism,” Smith concluded.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper , Governor General David Johnston and other dignitaries joined thousands of Canadians in welcoming the royal couple to Ottawa yesterday and today. Ceremonies were conducted at Rideau Hall, the National War Memorial and Parliament Hill.

Prince William and the Duchess laid a wreath at a special ceremony held yesterday at the National War Memorial to honor Canada’s veterans.

In a statement the visiting royals said: “Because Canadian Forces are always to the fore, the sacrifices have been great...For this, the Canadian Forces are respected around the world, They have made a difference to the lives of many thousands who most need assistance through compassion and humanity. We are honoured to thank you and congratulate you for a job well done.''

Prince William serves with Britain's Royal Air Force.
Crowds at Parliament Hill today, where the Prince spoke, were in the tens of thousands.

The CPPA also attended and participated in National Day ceremonies in Toronto’s Queens Park.

Winston Churchill on visiting Canada in 1954 prior to his death said: “Canada is the master-link in Anglo-American unity apart from her own glories.”

Canada became an independent nation on July 1, 1867.

The CPPA is a Washington, D.C.-based, non-governmental organization focused on public policy research, especially in the areas of international security, economics, trade, human rights, religious freedom, humanitarian and refugee issues.

Contact Maria Gomez
Center for Public Policy Analysis