ST. KITTS-NEVIS PRIME MINISTER WISHES THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF CANADA A VERY HAPPY CANADA DAY

July 1^st, 2019

Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris extends hearty congratulations to the Government and people of Canada on the wonderful occasion of the country’s 152^nd birthday today, Monday, July 1^st, 2019.

“As your proud nation marks another spectacular celebration of fireworks and pageantry today, Canada Day – which serves as the ultimate commemoration of Canadian identity and national pride – the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis stand with you and share the same affinity for the values that Canada is known and respected for on the international stage,” Prime Minister Harris said.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister went on to note that Canadians see their cherished values, such as inclusivity, multiculturalism, respect and tolerance, come to life each Canada Day, which is traditionally the biggest day of the year for citizenship ceremonies held in Canada.  More than 40 citizenship ceremonies are taking place in communities across Canada today, Monday, July 1^st, 2019.

Prime Minister Harris also took the opportunity to note his delight over the much-improved diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which is reflected, among other things, by St. Kitts and Nevis’ recently opened High Commission in Ottawa, Canada.

The luster and strength of the two countries’ long-term ties had been tarnished and strained in recent times (pre-2015) following a series of diplomatic missteps by the leadership of the previous administration in St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Since assuming office in February 2015, my Cabinet colleagues and I have had sustained and successful dialogue with Canada,” Prime Minister Harris added.

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis continued: “From day one, my administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to working with Prime Minister the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau and his administration in a manner that is redolent of the halcyon days of our diplomatic relations, which were established on October 11^th, 1983 during the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s tenure as Prime Minister of Canada.”  Pierre Trudeau is the late father of Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

“On behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, I wish Canada’s diverse people, including our fellow nationals who live there, a very happy Canada Day and a prosperous future for all of their sons and daughters,” Prime Minister Harris said today.