In 1996, the federal government declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. It was never easy. But as we learned to accommodate one another, we also learned to open our doors to newcomers. Canada Day Message, the Right Honourable Rom o Leblanc, Governor General of Canada, 1997. Canada Day is a celebration of the anniversary of Confederation in 1867.
Cultural diversity is both a fact of life in Canada and a vital Canadian value.
Through generation upon generation, Canadians have built a nation on the principles of democracy, opportunity, fairness, co-operation and mutual respect. Those principles have made our country the envy of the world. Canada's cultural diversity is founded in a noble ideal. The advantages of that diversity are, however, very real and very practical. We have connections of culture, language, custom and family with all parts of the globe.