24 June 2013
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Saint-Jean-BaptisteDay:
“Thank you very much.
“Thank you for welcoming me so warmly to Dolbeau.
“I am honoured to be the first Prime Minister to be here.
“It is a great pleasure.
“Thank you, Denis, for your kind introduction.
“I would like to welcome all the distinguished guests here today.
“Other members of our Conservative caucus are also with us, including Minister Christian Paradis, Minister Steven Blaney is here, MP and chair of the Quebec caucus, Jacques Gourde, and Senator Ghislain Maltais.
“My dear friends, what a beautiful day.
“And it’s such a pleasure to be here with you in this vast and beautiful region of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean to mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, the Fête nationale du Québec.
“There is no better place than here to celebrate the great Quebec nation.
“Your ancestors, who came to clear the land and build here, would be proud to see your region today.
“You are recognized for being a dynamic and brave people, and for your history.
“And you have every reason to feel proud of that history.
“This year, 2013, this magnificent region of yours is marking the 175th anniversary of its founding.
“And the history of your region, like that of Quebec, continues to be written.
“Quebec is a nation of builders, a tradition very much reflected in the people of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
“You have built hydro-electric power plants that provide energy to all of Quebec.
“Your factories produce the newsprint used throughout North America.
“Your natural resources are the envy of the world. Indeed, the entire planet recognizes the beauty of your corner of the country. Your region is among the loveliest in Canada, with its magnificent forests, its majestic cliffs and its ocean-like lake. And I haven’t even gotten around to your blueberries yet!
“Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is not only a region of builders but also a region inhabited by a very courageous people.
“Your soldiers stationed at the Bagotville base have participated in history-making international military operations.
“For example, history will remember them for the bravery they exhibited during the civil war in Libya.
“In 2011, over a hundred Bagotville soldiers helped NATO forces liberate the Libyan people from the clutches of a dictator.
“In fact, the international forces in Libya were commanded by a fellow from right around here, Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard.
“Last year, your soldiers received a NATO medal to mark their exceptional contribution in restoring stability to North Africa.
“And above all, let it not be said that the rest of Canada has got anything on the folks in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean when it comes to hockey.
“The names of Mario Tremblay and Michel Goulet come to mind, one a Canadien and the other a Nordique, not to stir up any old wounds or anything…
“My friends, I feel very proud, and privileged, to have on my team a Member of Parliament from these parts, an MP like Denis, to work on the economic issues affecting your region, and on issues related to transportation, infrastructure and communities all across the country.
“In September 2007, the people of this region elected Denis as MP for Roberval–Lac-Saint-Jean for the first time, and they quite rightly voted him back in on two other occasions.
“He works tirelessly and Denis put this region in power in Ottawa.
“My friends, as Prime Minister of Canada, I am very proud of the work carried out by Denis and by all members of our government.
“Canada made out far better than the vast majority of countries in the wake of a serious global recession.
“Canada has managed to remain a prosperous, secure country.
“Job creation and economic growth continue to top the list of our government’s priorities.
“And we have seen the results: Canada’s economy has created a million net new jobs since the worst of the recession began; this is the best record in the G7.
“And, dear friends, as we promised, by restoring a balanced budget by 2015, our government will refrain from raising taxes.
“Our Government has also kept its promises when it comes to families and public safety.
“Our Government has enacted laws that keep drug dealers, pedophiles and cyber predators away from our children.
“And we will continue to create jobs in every corner of Quebec.
“We can be proud of our record and look to the future with confidence, because we have made the right decisions.
“Very few of the world’s countries can boast as dynamic an economy as Canada’s.
“When I meet with fellow leaders at international summits, they often ask me how Canada has managed to be so successful.
“My answer is simple: it takes a sense of responsibility to keep one’s promises.
“In conclusion, my friends, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and the great nation of Quebec hold a crucial place within our country.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I salute the people of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, who today are celebrating 175 years of Francophone presence in the region.
“Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
“Bonne Fête nationale!
“Until next time!”
