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Montreal, Friday, February 16, 2007
The subject that brings us together tonight is of utmost importance. We have been called together by our hearts, our heritage and our fraternity.
We know, of course, that diseases do not have the same prejudices that people do. But is it obvious that they are sometimes relentless against certain segments of the population.
Such is the case with sickle-cell anemia, the devastating effects of which, even here in Montreal—especially within the Haitian community— and in the Americas, are a call to action.
How can we remain indifferent when faced with the following facts?
Sickle-cell anemia is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world.
One Black person in ten carries the gene.
I was shocked to learn that approximately 10,000 children in Canada are critically ill as a result of sickle-cell anemia and that there could be as many as 45,000 people who carry the sickle trait.
These statistics are sad.
They are terrible.
And they are the reason why we cannot give up.
That is why I am honoured to be with you, the members of the Quebec Sickle Cell Association, tonight.
I want to commend the work you do.
Your commitment, as parents and health care professionals, is the reason the association was created in 1998—to shed some light on a disease that, although widespread, is little-known or ignored, and to help those with the disease and their families in a million different ways.
In my mind, it an amazing example of citizen involvement that reflects on the entire country and does you credit.
I would also like to honour the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
The institution held a provincial symposium on sickle-cell anemia today as part of its activities.
Thanks to the hard work and—here is a word that has become obsolete—the dedication of the people working at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Quebec has become a world leader in the screening of hereditary diseases.
And that is why clinicians and researchers established a universal screening and diagnosis project for this disease in the Montreal region—because they want to prevent complications in children with sickle-cell anemia, and their deaths.
In turn, your unwavering professional commitment serves as an example to be followed throughout Canada and the entire world.
And for that, I sincerely thank you.
As it is Black History Month, it is also my hope that we will work tirelessly together against this disease—and in all areas—to fight the trials and tribulations of exclusion and loosen the grip of prejudice and discrimination, which often punishes our youth.
As governor general of Canada, and as a representative with a difference, I hope with all my heart that many of you will join me in this fight.
May we join together in a circle of solidarity.
And may that circle continue to grow as large as possible, beyond the communities to which we belong.
This is not the fight of a single race.
It is the fight of women and men with great heart, courage and determination.
It is our greatest responsibility today.
This morning, at the Supreme Court of Canada, I presided over the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship. In 1947, Canada was the first Commonwealth country to assert, in all sovereignty, that the women and men of this country would no longer be British subjects; they would be Canadian citizens.
I swore in 18 families who came from all over the world. Women, men and children who, like us before them, have the chance to see all their greatest hopes and dreams become a reality in this country where anything is possible. We have added our stories to the history of Canada.
We enrich Canada through our journey, our memory, and all our productive initiatives. Like tonight, like every day, with determination, with confidence. Today, I would like to add my contribution to yours. The expression of my citizenship to yours. We are proud. We are here. Together.
Thank you very much for inviting me to this gala. May others follow your lead.