Washington, Jul 2 (DPA): Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrated Canada's 143rd birthday Thursday, reviewing Canadian troops and watching performances by dancers and musicians at Ottawa's Parliament Hill.

Wearing a red suit and white hat in the colours of Canada's flag, the queen, who serves as the country's official head of state, examined members of the Canadian Forces Guard of Honour and the Royal Mounted Police as part of festivities with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"I have watched with enormous admiration how Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history, its distinctive character and its values," Elizabeth told the thousands who turned out for a televised celebration the capital, the British Press Association reported.

"This nation has dedicated itself to being a caring home for its own, a sanctuary for others and an example to the world."

She also addressed the crowd in French, one of the North American nation's two official languages.

Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrived in Canada Monday for a nine-day tour of North America, which includes an historic address by the monarch to the United Nation General Assembly in New York next week.

The queen, who last visited Canada in 2005, held talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and also marked the centenary of the Canadian navy.