Calgary, Thursday, June 5, 2008

It is such a pleasure to be back at the Glenbow Museum on the eve of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, in the company of women and men who, thread by thread, are weaving the social fabric of this city, this province, this country.

Aspiring leaders, some of whom are here with us this evening—welcome!—are preparing to begin an experience that will forever change the way they see, think and act.

As Tom has already said, 260 young women and men are about to embark on an adventure that will take them from Banff to Ottawa, with stops along the way in communities in every province and territory.

It is a journey within as well, one that will change them, one that may surprise them, but one that will definitely inspire and invigorate them.

These young leaders have the chance to experience what I myself have been experiencing since becoming governor general: the opportunity to go out and meet with Canadians of all backgrounds, right where they live, and to see whether their perceptions of Canada measure up. Often what we imagine is nothing like reality.

This country is so vast that it is almost impossible for its citizens to experience everything it has to offer, to take its full measure and truly understand its diversity and richness.

I am still surprised to learn how little people in the South know about all of the wonderful things happening in the North, and vice versa. How little the western regions and eastern regions know about each other.

All too often, the image we have of our country and its inhabitants is partial, in every sense of the word. Often, it is an image based on preconceived ideas. Such ideas stand as walls between us. Such ideas have no place in our society.

If we are to deconstruct these ideas, we need to look beyond our front door, to take the pulse of this country, to feel the driving heartbeat within our communities.

Where things are happening.

Where civic responsibility is embodied in innovative projects.

Where caring for one another is a way of life.

That is the inspiration behind this year’s conference theme: Leadership and Communities.

What strikes me most as I travel across Canada is the determination with which all of us, young and old alike, are searching for solutions to the challenges facing our communities.

Across this country, I have met women, men and young people who are proud of what they have accomplished, who are involved in their communities and are ready to build a future that will benefit us all.

They are leaders in their own right, who are challenging all Canadians to expand our horizons, and to be inspired by their extraordinary capacity to find common ground and shared values through their collective efforts.

In fact, they are people like you, gathered here this evening, who want to improve the lives of those around them.

You are the backbone of our society. You ensure that our country stands tall, on a solid foundation.

Because of you, the homeless can find shelter and a support network.

Because of you, women, immigrants, youth, entire families, once excluded and on the brink of despair, have found renewed faith in life and are making a vital contribution to society.

Because of you, artists are creating. How fortunate for us all!

Because of you, the cultural richness and wisdom of the First Nations and Métis are being handed down and shared with all of us. Just look around this room.

I firmly believe that these aspiring business leaders, researchers, union representatives, public policy makers, program directors have so much to learn from you.

From the way you contribute to your communities. The way you put the public interest above concerns for profit. The way you give consideration to the human side in each of your decisions and actions.

Personally, I think that you have to dream big dreams in order to make enough of them come true, especially when what is at stake is the good of all.

And if there is one person who dares to dream big, it is the President of the 2008 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, Richard George, who is also a shining example of leadership and commitment in every aspect of his life.

Rick, without you, without your vision, your enthusiasm and your dedication, this conference would never have achieved the reach and success it has today. Thank you so much!

We can all have a positive impact on the world around us.

Let us also have the courage to let our dreams be as big as Canada itself and to do our part to make this world a better place.

Thank you.