OTTAWA, Ontario: Canada has joined the United States in commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, with Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizing the deep-rooted partnership, shared history, and enduring friendship between the two neighboring nations.

In an official statement issued for the occasion, Prime Minister Carney said, “Today, as the United States marks 250 years of independence, Canada joins in celebration.” He underscored the significance of the milestone not only for Americans but also for Canadians, who share close historical and economic ties with the U.S.

Reflecting on the long-standing relationship, Carney invoked a historic remark made by former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936: “The noblest monument to peace and to neighborly economic and social friendship in all the world is not a monument in bronze or stone, but the boundary which unites the United States and Canada.”

Carney noted that the continental relationship has grown even stronger since Roosevelt’s time, shaped by shared sacrifices and joint achievements. “President Roosevelt spoke these words before our brave women and men fought side by side on the beaches of Normandy, and in the mountains of Korea and Afghanistan,” he said, highlighting decades of military cooperation.

The Prime Minister also pointed to major joint initiatives that have fortified economic and security ties, including the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the creation of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He further emphasized collaboration in space exploration, noting a “shared ambition that took our astronauts to the far side of the Moon aboard Artemis II.”

Carney stressed that the Canada–U.S. relationship has been built steadily over generations. “Canadians and Americans have built our friendship and prosperity one generation at a time,” he said, adding that the two nations have consistently stood together in times of crisis.

Citing examples of mutual support, Carney said, “Together, we have stood in the face of tragedy, from American firefighters helping to combat the flames in Fort McMurray, to Canadians opening their homes to stranded American passengers after 9/11.” He added that this deep integration has driven greater prosperity for workers in both countries.

Calling the bilateral relationship a global exemplar, Carney stated, “Together, we have raised a monument to peace that is an inspiration to the entire world.”

To mark the historic occasion, Canada has organized several symbolic gestures. According to the statement, Canada’s embassy in Washington, D.C., will be illuminated, while Niagara Falls will be lit in red, white, and blue. Canadian military vessels are also set to participate alongside U.S. forces in the Sail250 events in Norfolk, Baltimore, and New York City.

In a further gesture of goodwill, Canada will gift 250 maple trees to the United States. The trees will be planted in the U.S. capital and across the 13 states that share a land or water border with Canada, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between the two nations.

Concluding his message, Prime Minister Carney extended his congratulations to the American people, stating, “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to the American people as they celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday.”

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