CANADA HISTORY - Documents

Kim Campbell - Notes for an address, Vancouver, B.C., July 1, 1993

Analysis of the Document - (The Document follows below the Analysis)

On July 1, 1993, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Kim Campbell delivered a significant address marking the beginning of her historic tenure as Canada's first female Prime Minister. The speech was delivered during the Canada Day celebrations, symbolically representing the unity and diversity of the nation. Campbell’s address touched upon her vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Canada, one that would overcome economic and political challenges while maintaining its core values of equality, fairness, and justice. This speech reflected Campbell's emphasis on moving forward with policies aimed at economic renewal, social justice, and regional reconciliation during a period of growing division in Canadian politics.

At the heart of her message was the need for economic reform. Campbell inherited a country struggling with high unemployment and economic uncertainty following the 1990 recession. In Vancouver, she stressed the importance of investing in education, technology, and infrastructure, seeing these as vital components for ensuring Canada's competitiveness in the global economy. She spoke of empowering Canadians through job creation, innovation, and strengthening trade relationships, particularly given the significance of Vancouver as a hub for international trade and commerce in the Asia-Pacific region.

Campbell also addressed the critical issue of national unity in her speech, particularly as regional divisions were becoming more pronounced. The rising influence of the Bloc Québécois in Quebec and the Reform Party in Western Canada indicated growing dissatisfaction with the federal government. Campbell’s address in Vancouver sought to speak directly to these concerns, emphasizing her commitment to listening to the voices of every province and ensuring that their unique needs were addressed within the larger framework of national unity. Vancouver, a city emblematic of multiculturalism and regional dynamism, served as the perfect backdrop for her message of federalism and cooperation.

On a broader level, Campbell’s speech in Vancouver reflected her deep belief in the importance of social justice and gender equality. As Canada’s first female Prime Minister, Campbell’s rise to power was a landmark moment for Canadian women, and she used this opportunity to advocate for the increased participation of women in politics, business, and leadership roles. Her speech underscored her commitment to breaking down barriers for women and minorities, signaling that her leadership would focus on fostering an inclusive and equitable society. This message resonated deeply in Vancouver, a diverse city that reflected the changing face of Canada.

The political implications of Campbell’s speech were significant. While her message was filled with optimism and hope, the reality of the political landscape would soon challenge her vision. The Progressive Conservative Party was weakened by internal divisions and public dissatisfaction with the legacy of Brian Mulroney’s government. Despite her efforts to present a fresh start, Campbell’s government was unable to distance itself from the controversies of the past, including the unpopular Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the failed constitutional accords. The 1993 federal election, which followed only months later, resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Progressive Conservatives, who were reduced to just two seats in the House of Commons.

In terms of Canadian history, Campbell’s Vancouver speech remains a key moment in her brief tenure as Prime Minister. It reflected her deep understanding of the challenges facing Canada at the time—economic renewal, regional unity, and social inclusion—and her commitment to addressing them with vigor and determination. While her time in office was short, the themes she articulated in Vancouver—economic competitiveness, national unity, and gender equality—continue to shape the country’s political discourse.

Campbell’s legacy as the first female Prime Minister of Canada remains a significant milestone in the nation’s history, and her address in Vancouver symbolized her desire to lead a modern, forward-thinking, and inclusive Canada. However, her vision for the country, though ambitious and well-articulated, could not overcome the entrenched political challenges of the era. Still, her leadership, even in its briefness, paved the way for future conversations about the role of women in Canadian politics, the importance of regional reconciliation, and the need for economic adaptation in an increasingly globalized world.

This morning at 5:30 a.m. (1 a.m. Vancouver time), I watched the sun rise on Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland. A few hours later, I participated in Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in Hull, Quebec. Now, about 19 hours and more than 7,000 kilometres later, I have come home to Vancouver to share with you the pride and enthusiasm that our national birthday inspires in all of us.

I cannot begin to tell what pride and what exhilaration I felt while I was flying across the country during most of today. From the silvery shores of the Atlantic to the familiar shimmering sheen of the Pacific, I was beneath me the country that was lovingly carved out of a forbidding but fabulous wilderness by generations and generations of Canadians using the simple but strong instruments called faith, determination and tolerance.

I felt that same sense of purpose and of faith in the future everywhere I went today. In St. John's, Ottawa, Hull, and now in Vancouver, I met Canadians of all ages, from all walks of life, who wanted to share their joy in their common citizenship. And, as Canada's first woman Prime Minister, Canada's first Prime Minister from British Columbia, I am indeed very proud, so very proud, to be in your company on this special evening in the life of our country.

The sun is about to set on our 126th anniversary year. A page has been turned. I invite you today to join with me and begin preparing another 126 years of peace and prosperity, of success through solidarity and of unity through understanding.

Let us set out together to meet the challenges of the 21st century that are just beyond the horizon. The government has already started taking the tough decisions that a difficult economic situation calls for. And I strongly believe that we are on the right course to maintain and enhance our position at the forefront of industrialized nations and as one of the best places to live in the world. But much remains to be done. We have to renew our commitment to excellence, quicken our pace on the path to prosperity and fortify our faith in social justice and equality.

Let us start building today for the next generation the same strong prosperous and united Canada that our parents worked so hard to give us. In the 126 years of our common history, anglophones and francophones, Aboriginal peoples and new Canadians have shown that our political system, founded on the profound respect of differences and the sharing of fundamental values, is our most powerful tool of development.

As we lay the groundwork for our future, I invite all my fellow Canadians, on this 126th birthday of our country, to firmly take hold of this tool and help build an even greater, even more united and even more prosperous Canada.

Today is not a day for long speeches. It is a day of celebration and solidarity, a day to express our pride in our past and our faith in our future. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your warm welcome and your kind encouragement. It feels so good to be back in Vancouver. And it feels especially good, this evening, to say, Happy birthday Canada! Bonne fête Canada!