October 13, 2008

Whether Canada is our place of birth, a place of refuge, or a place of new beginnings—regardless of the circumstances and individual history of our Canadian citizenship—one thing remains: we know that this society to which we belong is built on a foundation of inalienable values that we share.

In my travels across Canada, I have been delighted to witness the strength of the solidarity and compassion that makes us so distinctive, as well as the importance that we collectively grant to the values of respect for human dignity and justice for all. Since the beginning of my mandate,
I have also had the opportunity to visit foreign countries and to see how Canada is widely admired by many, and frequently cited as an example to follow.

Canada’s civil society is vigorous and does everything it can to preserve and manifest, one day at a time, the ideal of a world where all citizens enjoy equal rights. We collectively hold a deep sense of responsibility. Canadians act locally in their communities; many of them are also getting involved beyond our borders, deeply committed to contributing their best efforts to world peace and development.

During this Canadian Citizenship Week, let us stay focused on helping others; on our diversity; on our willingness to act; and on the strength of our democracy. Let us celebrate our good fortune, the vitality of our culture, our creativity and our ability to live together in harmony.

Michaëlle Jean

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Media Information
Isabelle Serrurier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca