Rideau Hall, Friday, February 9, 2007

Today’s ceremony is especially significant.

This year, the Order of Canada is reaching an important milestone.

It was forty years ago that Prime Minister Lester Pearson instituted the Order of Canada to help mark our country’s centennial.

Under the Governor General’s responsibility, the Order of Canada was established, in 1967, as the centrepiece of our country’s honours system.

Let us consider the people honoured in the first Order of Canada ceremony ever held at Rideau Hall.

There were famous Canadian writers like Gabrielle Roy and Hugh McLellan, activist Thérèse Casgrain, brain surgeon Wilder Penfield, Maurice “the Rocket” Richard, the painter Arthur Lismer, the contralto Maureen Forrester, and many others.

But there were also people who may be less well-known today, but who nonetheless made a vital contribution to their communities and regions, and in so doing helped make Canada a better place for all.

There were people like John Hirsch, founding Artistic Director of the Manitoba Theatre Centre; Father David Bauer, a Special Advisor to the Canadian National Hockey Team; Léo Guindon, honoured for his pioneering work in the establishment of teachers’ associations; and Adelaide Sinclair, who had served Canada as Director of the Royal Canadian Naval Service, and as Deputy Director of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, also known as “UNICEF”.

All of these people, and the more than 5,000 others, 5,000 who have followed them, shared at least one thing. They were guided by the motto of the Order of Canada: “They Desire a Better Country.”

And today, you will join this pantheon of great Canadians.

You come from a variety of disciplines: business, the arts, education, the environment, writing, medicine, music and sports.

And you fight a variety of battles, such as making linguistic duality a source of national pride and responsibility.

Your accomplishments are as impressive as your talent and your willingness to act.

A common theme that runs through your life stories is that you have made a remarkable difference to your community and to your country.

For some, it was through a unique approach to a dangerous situation, the establishment of a new organization, or through inspired performances or creations.

For others, it was the development of a certain ground-breaking innovation, or the influence you have had on your profession.

But in all cases, you can take great pride in knowing that through the decisions you made, and the actions you took, you have left your mark on history, and you have made our world a better place.

This honour does not augment your achievements—they stand on their own.

What we do today is celebrate with you, and thank you for what you have given Canada.

I also believe the Order of Canada serves another purpose, and that is to inspire other Canadians, especially youth, to pursue their dreams and strive to make a difference, for the good of all.

In Canada, it is possible to reach for our highest goals.

You remind all Canadians that where you come from has no bearing on how far you can go, and how much you can achieve.

Today, as you join this honour roll, I thank you on behalf of your fellow citizens.

We have all gained from you work.

May we all learn from your experiences.

You have shared with us not only the wealth of your thoughts, but the fire of your passion.

Thank you, one and all!