Speaking of Canada (c. 1966)

As a country on a map, we lie sprawled across the top half of North America — nearly four million square miles — a land singularly blessed by nature. As a nation, we plan to celebrate our 100th Birthday in 1967 by inviting the world to share in our Centennial festivities. In the beginning, our forefathers came seeking wealth and a new way of life. First the French, then the British. Separately they began to explore and chart this vast and unknown land. Then, across a conference table, they combined their strengths. That was 100 years ago — on July 1, 1867. Now we possess this land in common under the maple leaf, symbol of the great forests we have hewn down together.

An equal welcome is extended to all who come — and millions have, from many parts of the world, from many racial origins. They have brought us hands and brains, skills and ideas. They have helped us spread out over this enormous territory — blessed with most varieties of climate and almost every natural resource. Joined now by railways, highways, airlines and waterways… and linked by radio, television and telephone networks. We are bound together, too, by the knowledge — gained from men and women of many races — that harmony need not mean assimilation.

Today, we are twenty million Canadians, half of us less than twenty-five years old. We are friends and next-door neighbours of the United States. Our roots run back to overseas motherlands but our loyalties are inseparably linked with Canada. A partner in the Commonwealth, we are also a member of the United Nations, sharing its burdens and aspirations. A land abundantly endowed — four thousand miles wide — we believe in the wisdom of sharing our blessings with other members of the human family. We are grateful to the past, invigorated by our current progress, and inspired by the challenge of the years that lie ahead. Already, Canada ranks as the third nation to have a satellite in orbit.

Certainly 1967 finds us with much to celebrate. Centennial Year will be a great and glowing festival. Nowhere will the lights shine so brightly or so many people gather as at Montreal, where a host of buildings and spectacles are rising to form a new-made city of islands and lagoons. Here, from late April through October, with 70 nations assisting us, we hope to make our INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION — EXPO 67 — the largest, finest WORLD’S FAIR ever held, and a true mirror of man’s achievements.

Everywhere for our cross-country Centennial we are readying new events, adventures, sights and sounds and places. Things are happening in Canada… for us, and for you. We hope you will come to share them.