Rideau Hall, Monday, April 24, 2006

It is with great pleasure that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I welcome you here to Rideau Hall. Ten years ago, one of my predecessors, the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, created the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, and joining us this morning is his son Dominic. It’s great to have you here, Dominic. Since 1996, thousands of Canadians from across this country have been recognized by their fellow citizens for their altruism, their compassion, their generosity, and their dedication.

Nothing was more important to Mr. Leblanc than those ordinary heroes who do extraordinary work, often behind the scenes. And he was right. Lighting a spark of joy in the eyes of a sick child; giving wings to a person with a disability; raising funds for a community organization; visiting a senior citizen; listening to, accompanying, supporting women and men who are struggling or in distress.

These actions have the power to change the course of a life.

I believe profoundly in the networks of solidarity that transcend all differences. A hand held out to us is in turn a hand held out to a fellow human being. This is how humanity, in its most ideal sense, spreads from heart to heart; a kind word inspires another; a thoughtful gesture is paid forward. This is how hope is ignited to overcome helplessness and indifference at last.

And hope springs from the women and men, young and old, who have the courage to dream big dreams and the determination to act for the greater good. Against violence, against indifference, against exclusion. For mutual respect, for dialogue, for equal opportunity. Together, their actions are reinventing the world where it is most needed.

As I have travelled this country, meeting with and listening to the many women and men who are deeply committed to their neighbourhoods and communities, I have seen these strengths in action, strengths that are so vital because they are the true foundation of our society.

With us are ten of these extraordinary people. It is an honour and a privilege for me to pay tribute to you today.

To Maurice Bilodeau, of Ottawa, who is always ready to lend an ear to our veterans, I thank you.

To Peter Deacon, of Gloucester, who, for many years, provided transportation to the members of the Letson Hall Chorus, most of whom were blind, to their practices and concerts, I thank you.

To Mona Dubé, of Ottawa, who brings comfort and support to others facing difficult times, particularly cancer patients, I thank you.

To Lorraine Finn, of Barry’s Bay, a member of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, who puts her energy and leadership talents to work for several causes, I thank you.

To Terrence Fleming, of Ottawa, who organizes a number of activities each year to raise funds to find a cure for muscular dystrophy, a disease that claimed the life of one of his best friends at the age of 20, I thank you.

To Christine Kerr, of Fonthill, who has been volunteering since she was a young girl, particularly helping sick children, I thank you.

To John MacKillop, of Gatineau, a sea cadet officer since 1959, whose support for the Navy League of Canada and its young members is invaluable, I thank you.

To Bernard McCann, of Vanier, who puts his musical talents to use in his community during fundraising events and who brings comfort to those who need it most, I thank you.

To John Robinson, of Smiths Falls, a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society since 1991 and founder of the Masonic Transportation Unit, a model organization for many other service agencies, I thank you.

To Major Lloyd Swick, of Ottawa, a veteran of the Second World War and of the Korean War, who volunteers in many of the region’s hospitals and who lends his support to other veterans, students and officers in training, I thank you.

You are the glimmer of hope that saves so many people from sinking into solitude and helplessness. You have touched lives, even saved lives, each in your own way. Without expecting anything in return, you give a part of yourselves to others and are enriched by a new experience. You are models of sharing and openness for those around you and the next generation.

On behalf of the people of Canada, I sincerely thank you for caring about your fellow citizens, your communities and your society and for contributing to the betterment of us all.