Prime Minister Mark Carney used his first Canada Day message as head of government to frame the country’s national celebration around unity, resilience and renewed nation-building, while emphasizing that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity and shared purpose.
In a statement marking Canada’s 159th anniversary of Confederation, Carney reflected on the country’s history of overcoming vast geographic and political challenges through collective effort, drawing connections between the founding of Confederation, the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the Trans-Canada Highway as defining milestones in the country’s development.
“Today, we celebrate each other. We are a nation of kind, compassionate, hardworking people, as remarkable and diverse as the places we call home all across Canada. Ours is a country that spans three oceans, six time zones, and ten million square kilometres of breathtaking landscape, built and bound by a great conviction: that we are strongest when we are united.”
The prime minister said Canada’s founders made “a founding bet” in 1867 that a united country could achieve more together than its individual parts. He argued that this spirit continues to define Canada today, noting that Canadians have consistently translated ambition into action.
“Canadians have never just imagined a stronger, more united country,” Carney said. “We’ve picked up our tools and built one.”
Looking ahead, Carney positioned Canada at what he described as “a decisive moment,” calling for renewed investment in the country through Canadian workers, materials and values. He also encouraged Canadians to support domestic products and rediscover the country’s natural beauty, citing destinations from the Cabot Trail and Bay of Fundy in the east to the Columbia Icefield and the northern lights in the west and north.
He suggested that everyday acts of solidarity—from buying Canadian goods to travelling within the country—demonstrate the nation’s ability to strengthen itself from within.
We are strongest when we are united.
Happy Canada Day. ??https://t.co/9trt0eBSZ4 pic.twitter.com/zHzQiCTw0C
— Prime Minister of Canada (@CanadianPM) July 1, 2026
Carney also acknowledged that Canada faces forces that seek to divide its people, but argued that the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest assets.
“There will always be forces that want to divide us,” he said. “They forget this country’s founding insight: that unity is not uniformity, that our differences are strengths to nurture rather than risks to manage, and that our values serve as an unshakeable foundation.”
He concluded his message with a call for kindness and unity, saying, “When we show kindness, kindness grows. When we seek unity, unity grows. When we are Canadian, Canada grows. Happy Canada Day.”
Meanwhile, the United States extended congratulations to Canadians on the national holiday. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Canada on 159 years of Confederation and reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship.
“On behalf of the United States, I wish all Canadians a happy Canada Day as you celebrate 159 years of Canadian Confederation,” Rubio said.
He described the Canada-U.S. partnership as “crucial” to advancing security, economic strength and prosperity across North America and abroad, adding that both countries remain committed to promoting and protecting the well-being of their citizens.
“Congratulations and we look forward to a stronger future for both Americans and Canadians,” Rubio said.
The messages come as Canada celebrates another year of nationhood while placing renewed emphasis on domestic unity, economic resilience and its longstanding partnership with its closest ally.
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