Rideau Hall, Friday, December 15, 2006

My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are delighted to welcome you all to Rideau Hall for this ceremony to recognize excellence in our society.

I have just returned from my first State visit, during which I went to five African countries: Algeria, Mali, Ghana, South Africa, and Morocco.

Let me tell you a little bit about my trip.

I was honoured to see Canada’s engagement in Africa, and the results of a long history of cooperation. I also saw that Africans have an unwavering desire to find their own solutions to the problems their continent is facing.

I went looking for optimism and the promise of Africa. I found both in the hearts and minds, and everyday, concrete actions of women and men who are determined to overcome oppressive Afro-pessimism, which emphasizes only the very troubling and unacceptable state of affairs, instead of celebrating victories and supporting all the incredible work being done and amazing accomplishments and advances being made.

In Africa, as in Canada, it is the people who are building societies and restoring hope.

It is people of that calibre that we are celebrating here today.

We have so much to be grateful for, compared to people in most countries of the world.

We live in peace; we have fresh water and food security.

We have schools, hospitals, roads, electrical systems.

We can worship without fear of persecution, we can vote, we can express our opinions, we can read whatever we want.

But I believe our greatest blessing is that, despite all our comforts, and strengths, we have citizens who continue to believe in a brighter future.

We are incredibly blessed to have women and men who refuse to rest on their laurels; dreamers and doers who want Canada and Canadians to aim higher, and who continue to outdo themselves on a daily basis.

Today, we pay tribute to men and women from every walk of life, and from every part of Canada.

The women and men in this room have distinguished themselves in a wide range of endeavours.

We are honoured to welcome environmentalists, doctors, teachers, and jurists.

…Community leaders, philanthropists, researchers, visionaries, and people who have devoted their lives to public service.

…We have artists, a story teller, administrators, and one of Canada’s most accomplished professional golfers!

At first glance, it might appear that you have little in common with each other.

But a careful look at your achievements reveals a certain trend: a keen interest in young people, who—and I cannot say it often enough—are not only our future, but our present as well.

That interest is, of course, evidenced by the many educators here today.

But this commitment to young people, this will to give them wings, also drives the work of those dedicated to saving our environment, or who serve as role models in their professions, those working for greater respect among Canada’s different communities, and the people here who help fund organizations that focus on youth and children.

I am sure you would all agree that the best way to fashion a better country is to reach out to young people and help them achieve their full potential while  acknowledging that they are part of our collective strength.

For your dedication, for your commitment, for your passion and compassion, and for everything that you have achieved thus far, your fellow citizens say: “thank you.”

And to express that gratitude, we offer this mark of distinction, and welcome you among the ranks of extraordinary Canadians.

Ladies and gentlemen, I know that your example will inspire others to surpass themselves, and to continue your good work in their own way.

Well done!