Leaders call for unity on Canada Day amid separatist tensions

Canadians are marking Canada Day on Wednesday under scorching temperatures and deepening political divisions, with leaders calling for unity as separatist movements gain ground in Quebec and Alberta.

Prime Minister Mark Carney released a video message Wednesday morning emphasizing Canada's founding principle that "we are strongest when we're united." He referenced the construction of the national railway and the Trans-Canada Highway as examples of shared infrastructure that binds the country together. "At this decisive moment, Canadians are once again turning our conviction into action, choosing to build big with Canadian workers, Canadian materials, Canadian values," Carney said.

He acknowledged that division exists but argued it can be overcome through small acts of solidarity — buying local, travelling within Canada, supporting one another. "There will always be forces that want to divide us, but they forget a founding insight of our country — that unity is not uniformity, that our differences are strengths to be nurtured, not risks to be managed," he said.

Governor General Louise Arbour delivered her first Canada Day message in her new role. She said Canada "shines in many spheres" but faces persistent challenges ahead. She highlighted reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and amplifying Indigenous voices as examples of the country's ongoing work to do better. "Our work towards reconciliation and amplifying Indigenous voices is a good example of this, and one that has not gone unnoticed on the global stage," Arbour said.

Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller told The Canadian Press that Canada is "a country that's built on freedom, respect for others, but a shared sense of values." Miller is expected to address the crowd at the national celebration in Ottawa, where celebrities and dignitaries will mark 159 years of Confederation.

The celebrations come as Albertans prepare for a fall vote on separation — a binding referendum that could determine whether the province remains in Canada. This year's festivities touch on divisions that have intensified over the past year, though leaders also pointed to moments of unity, including Canada's winning goal in last Sunday's World Cup match.

The main Ottawa event is being held at LeBreton Flats Park, just west of Parliament Hill, while Centre Block remains under construction. Carney will attend a local community celebration in an Ottawa suburb before participating in the annual noon-hour show, then travel to Alberta to make a short speech at a celebration in Edmonton.