Mr. Speaker, today is Heritage Day.
Heritage is everything that links together people, places and things, everything that ensures continuity between past, present and future.
Let us take advantage of this special occasion to celebrate our heritage, to discover and explore it, to learn more about it, to steep ourselves in all the richness of our culture.
Our writers, artists, dancers and creators tell us and the world about the wonders of being Canadian. We work diligently at preserving our stories for the benefit of current and future generations.
In our heritage institutions we have collections that represent the broad and diverse history of the people who made and make up a country.
Our system of national parks, national historic sites and monuments enables Canadians to enjoy firsthand our natural environment and learn about the people and places which shape the country.
Let us today thank our ancestors for the truly rich Canadian heritage we all enjoy.