31 March 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the 60th anniversary of Newfoundland entering Confederation:
“Sixty years ago Newfoundland joined Confederation as Canada’s 10th province. In the ensuing six decades, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have woven themselves into the fabric of our nation and made all of Canada a better place.
“From Newfoundland and Labrador’s historic industries to its emergence as a modern resource and energy power, there is no question that Canada’s newest province is rich with abundant resources. Yet we all know that Newfoundland and Labrador’s greatest resource will always remain its people – the community spirit and common pride of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians themselves.
“Today you can travel to virtually any corner of our country and find Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living, working and contributing in their community. Wherever they settle, they bring with them the unique and welcoming culture for which they are rightly famous.
“No matter where they settle, there is no question that the people of this province have a love of home that knows no geographic boundary. As the famous saying goes: ‘You can always tell the Newfoundlanders in Heaven, they're the ones who want to go home!’
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
