Whitehorse, Sunday, June 17, 2007

My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are delighted to be here today as we begin the final stage of my official tour of Canada as governor general.

Since my installation nineteen months ago, I have been all across this country, from east to west, north to south. In fact, this is my third visit north of the sixtieth parallel.

I am thrilled to finally be here in Yukon, a place that embodies that spirit of adventure that I spoke of in my installation speech and that I believe is still one of this country’s greatest strengths.

It is a place where the landscapes are larger than life, a place where solidarity rhymes with simplicity and a place where daring conquers all.

And we could not have picked a better time. Since we have come to see you when the light is strongest and seems to have vanquished the night for good.

I know that the official bird of Yukon is the Raven, on which many incredible First Nations’ legends are based.

One such legend is that the Raven brought the light of day to the world. And, as though to add to the legend, this luminous presence seems infinite as we approach the summer solstice.

We are very anxious to meet with the people of this territory, here in Whitehorse, but also in Kluane National Park, in Dawson City, with the Champagne-Aishihik and Trond’ek Hwech’in First Nations, and with the Yukon Francophone community.

We have come to discover and celebrate the rich diversity of the population of Yukon.

I am also especially honoured to begin this visit by awarding the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to one of your citizens.

A woman of great calibre who is among those who—in my eyes and in my heart— represent Canada’s greatest promise for the future.

Because actions like the ones she takes on a daily basis are what deepen our sense of humanity.

And these actions remind us that we all have the power to change things and improve the world around us.

Actions like hers forge bonds of fellowship in our neighbourhoods, our communities, our villages, our cities, our territories, across our country and around the world.

I think that openness to the world begins with an openness to the realities around you.

Margaret Baker arrived in Yukon over 50 years ago. Her efforts to help others have touched many people in her community: people who are ill, girl guides, seniors, even hockey players!

This woman helps awaken our desire to conquer feelings of helplessness, indifference, and despair.

This woman standing before us today is a radiant role model in these days of endless sun.

Please join me in thanking her.

We are here today for another memorable event.

My husband and I are honoured to be here as some of you prepare to officially join the Canadian family.

We know how important this moment is to you, as we have both experienced it ourselves.

Each of our stories is unique.

But one thing is certain: we have found in Canada the ideal of a society in which the rights of all citizens are equal.

We cannot minimize how lucky we are or leave it unsaid, not while barbarism and misery affect so many countries and drive so many people to despair.

Each of us here has the means of using every aspect of our lives, our strengths, and becoming involved in our community through words and action.

In this way, each of us makes this country richer with our own history, experience, and vision of the world.

There are rights that come with your new citizenship, but responsibilities as well.

I invite you all to take every opportunity you can to strengthen the society you are entering with your own unique contribution.

The country you have chosen and which we all share is a generous one and allows us the great privilege of dreaming big, for our families and for the greater good.

Our citizenship is a bond of fellowship. A bond—as you in Yukon are well aware—that requires us to stand united together.

We must not forget that.

We wish you all every happiness and success.

Thank you.