Ottawa, Wednesday, July 2, 2008

I would like to begin by telling you how happy I am to be here with you today.

I would also like to commend the military personnel here this morning and their families.

We can never overstate your contribution to the success of the Forces and its missions.

As commander-in-chief, I have witnessed many times how much it costs you and your families.

And I consider it a great privilege to be able to listen to you, to support you and to be with you, even in the most difficult moments.

You are ready to make any sacrifice in Canada’s name, in the name of freedom and justice, in the name of democracy; you are ready to overcome any difficulty and meet any challenge, including the challenge of going to difficult parts of the world, places where it is imperative that we build and maintain peace.

How can we not think of those wounded in action—physically and/or psychologically, some even disabled for life—soldiers who deserve more attention?

How can we not think of the women and men for whom we still mourn, those who have left a hole in our hearts?

That is why I always try to be there, on the tarmac beside the grieving families, when soldiers killed in Afghanistan are repatriated. I am deeply moved by the generosity of these families, who allow me to be with them and to grieve with them.

And I am not the only one who makes every effort to be there. How many times have General Hillier and General Natynczyk also stood alongside these families?

There are many of us here this morning whose hearts are torn.

We are torn between sadness at bidding farewell to a general whom we greatly admire and joy at welcoming as the head of the Canadian Forces another generous man and a fine officer.

These emotions speak volumes of the respect that we have for them both.

A respect that resonates at all levels of Canada’s military, from myself as commander-in-chief to soldiers of every rank and stripe to their families.

Respect is something that cannot be commanded; it is earned by one’s merit.

And General Hillier is certainly a man of great merit.

General Hillier, if I may, I would like to speak of you this morning on a more personal note.

You were an exceptional guide for me as I prepared to take on the responsibilities of commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces.

I have seen it many times: you are a much-loved leader of our men and women in uniform.

Why?

Because you are aware of their realities and the challenges they and their families must face every day.

You have opened the dialogue on sensitive issues, issues that needed to be addressed in the Forces, like domestic violence and post-traumatic stress.

You have always spoken your mind and put your words into action.

Personally, I am grateful to you for the openness of our discussions and for your steadfast support.

Your words, your actions—everything you say and do is guided by a profound conviction: that human life deserves to be protected at all cost.

You share that conviction with the men and women soldiers, civilians and humanitarians, who are committed to building productive partnerships with a people struggling to overcome decades of distress and despair.

Wherever I went during my trip to Afghanistan two years ago, I saw members of the Canadian Forces, civilians, police, government officials, diplomats and humanitarian workers from Canada working closely on the ground with their Afghan partners to help create a secure environment and to put favourable development conditions in place for the Afghan people.

Everywhere, I saw how important it was to restore a human dimension to their day-to-day efforts.

There is no development without security, and no stability without education, infrastructure, improved living conditions or economic recovery.

That was the clear message I heard from the military and humanitarian workers in Afghanistan. And I repeat it here in Canada as often as I can.

We must restore hope and stability, justice and prosperity, where for too long there has been only chaos, iniquity and ruin.

Having seen you at work and having already established a productive relationship with you, General Natynczyk, I have absolutely no doubt that you share this commitment.

Leading people is a privilege and is not without its responsibilities. It is a task that should not be taken lightly and requires you to act as a role model.

You are such a role model, and I know that you can henceforth count on the trust and support of your troops.

General Natynczyk, I wish you every success.

General Hiller, on behalf of all Canadians, on behalf of the Canadian Forces, thank you, so very much.