Home The Ambassador Canada's chief representatives to the U.S. Michael Kergin Ambassador Kergin's Speeches July 2, 2001

Remarks by Ambassador Michael Kergin for Canada Day Celebrations at the Headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic

Norfolk, Virginia
2 July 2001

Admiral Sir James Perowne, Rear Admiral Miller, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to you for this opportunity to mark here at SACLANT headquarters the 134th anniversary of the Canadian confederation. Canada day, as we now call it, was celebrated yesterday, July 1st.

En tant que canadiens, nous partageons un patrimoine varié et magnifique. Peu importe nos racines, nous faisons partie d'une société reconnue à l'échelle du monde pour sa tolérance, son bilinguisme et son multiculturalisme, son engagement à l'égard des valeurs de la démocratie et sa qualité de vie. Nous sommes justement fiers de ce pays que nous avons bâti ensembles durant 134 ans.

Comme tout autre pays, nous avon nos symboles nationaux et nos grands monuments. Mais nos principaux trésors nationaux sont nos citoyens et quelqu'uns de ces citoyens sont parmi vous aujourd'hui.

For Canadians, it is a day to celebrate a country, Canada, based on democracy, on the rule of law, tolerance, and the respect for human rights. It is precisely these values which the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has sought to protect and to promote throughout Europe.

Canada Day is a time to reflect on our past and on our future. I am reminded of the inscription on the Korean War veterans' memorial in Washington, D.C.: "freedom is not free." Several times in the last century too many Canadians paid the ultimate price, along with too many others, to secure the freedom and prosperity of future generations.

The experience of the past century has proven that Canada's security interests can best be met in an alliance of like-minded states.

As a representative of a founding nation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, I would like to take this opportunity to salute you, the multinational SACLANT staff.

All of you, and allow me to single out especially my compatriots, are vital to our common security and prosperity.

Although for Canada, NATO has always been much more than "just a military alliance", Canadians will continue to support NATO's military activities. As part of our commitment to NATO, Canada now commands on a rotational basis, the multinational division -- Southwest in Bosnia which includes a deployment of over 1600 troops.

During the air campaign over the fry, the Canadian air force played a leading role, including through the use of precision guided munitions.

Let us not forget that it was through our common efforts that Slobodan Milosevic awaits trial in The Hague for war crimes.

Canada takes it defence commitments seriously. The government of Canada has reinvested more than 3 billion dollars in defence over the last couple of years. In fact, we have increased our spending on capital expenditures from about 17% of the defence budget in 1998-99 to approximately 19% today. And we are well on our way towards our goal of 23% capital expenditure in our defence budget which will total nearly 12 billion Canadian dollars in this fiscal year.

Here at SACLANT, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize Canada's maritime contribution to transatlantic security. At present, her majesty's Canadian ship Fredericton is participating in the standing Naval Force Atlantic. The combat capability of Canada's fleet of upgraded destroyers and modern frigates is in the process of being augmented by four diesel submarines. New cormorant search and rescue helicopters will be arriving later this year.

These capabilities have enabled Canada to contribute to coalition operations outside of NATO, as well. Today, the crew of her majesty's Canadian ship Winnipeg is participating in maritime interdiction operations in the Arabian Gulf as part of a U.S. carrier battle group.

With its North Atlantic allies, Canada has stood tall to defend democracy. Together, we have accomplished deeds of which our visionary founders would have been very proud. Together, we will continue to ensure this legacy is shared by our children and grandchildren.

Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a distinct pleasure to mark Canada day here with you.

Thank you.