Last Updated: Thursday, December 25, 2008 3:44 PM ET
CBC News
The coming year will be a difficult one for Canadians, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who steered away from directly addressing the global economic turmoil in his holiday address.
"As we face the difficult year ahead, always remember that our's is perhaps the most peaceful and prosperous society on Earth," Harper said in the prerecorded statement.
Harper urged Canadians to look to 2009 with "optimism.
"We Canadians are a generous, resilient and resourceful people who have prevailed over many challenges over the course of our history," he said.
The Conservative government's economic update on Nov. 29 sparked the near collapse of Harper's minority just six weeks after a federal election.
The fall update, which did little to address the global economic crisis and its implications for Canada, lead Liberal-NDP coalition backed by the Bloc Québécois attempted to bring down his government.
Harper asked the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until Jan. 26 when his government will table a budget and could again face a no-confidence vote in the House of Commons.
In his annual Christmas address, Harper emphasized Canada is "blessed" to be a democratic country "... where we resolve our differences peacefully ... and always count on the protection from a common rule of law."
Opposition leaders release messages
New Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also released a holiday message that urged Canadians to commit "...to a new year of kindness and compassion towards others.
"Hope, generosity and goodwill" should extend beyond the holiday season and into 2009, Ignatieff said.
NDP Leader Jack Layton said he knows many Canadians are concerned about what the year will bring but that he has hope for 2009.
The NDP has made its resolutions for the new year and,"We promise to redouble our efforts and to stand up for you and what is right and just," Layton said in his holiday statement.
During Harper's address he also highlighted some of Canada's historic celebrations in 2008, including the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec and the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to community volunteers and those serving in the Armed Forces. He asked that Canadians "spare a thought and a prayer" for those serving overseas.
With files from the Canadian Press
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper's message
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's message
NDP Leader Jack Layton's message
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper's message
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's message
NDP Leader Jack Layton's message
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