VANCOUVER (CBC) - Tens of thousands of revellers converged on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday to wish Canada a happy 141st birthday.

"There are more reasons than ever to celebrate our country," Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the cheering crowd, many of them wearing red and white and waving Canadian flags.

Harper reminded the assembled that Canada is blessed with resources, a vast northern frontier and a diverse population. He said Canadians should be proud of their work to protect the environment and to help Afghanistan.

He noted that this year marks not only the 141st anniversary of Confederation, on July 1, 1867, but the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the 150th anniversary of the founding of British Columbia and the 250th anniversary of the establishment of representative government in Nova Scotia, the first democracy in what is now Canada.

"Every day in countless ways we are working together to achieve the greatness our country deserves. That's why on this Canada Day we are prouder than ever to call ourselves Canadians," Harper said.

The annual Canada Day festivities got underway earlier in the morning in Ottawa with a historic military parade through downtown streets. Parades and celebrations were held elsewhere across the country.

Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean attended the Ottawa festivities, which were to include performances by Canadian band Blue Rodeo and country singer Paul Brandt, as well as a massive fireworks display.

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