June 13, 2008

It gives me great pleasure, during this National Public Service Week, to salute all our federal employees, who certainly deserve to take the time to celebrate their accomplishments and to reflect together on this year’s theme: “Recognizing our history while building our tomorrow.”

I take this opportunity to pay tribute to your dedication and professionalism. Think only of the incredible variety of tasks that you accomplish on a daily basis—work as diverse as the geography of our vast country—to meet the countless needs of the Canadian people. For example, you ensure the quality of our food; the security of people’s modes of transportation and of the products they consume and purchase; the protection of our borders and our natural resources; and the distribution of our resources and culture abroad. You ensure the application of laws, both old and new, and the implementation of programs for youth, women, seniors, the sick, retirees, business people, researchers and so many others. You make communication possible, whether it is between different levels of government or between densely populated urban communities and small, remote towns. In the face of growing constraints, you provide services in often-difficult situations. And despite all these demands, you maintain a remarkable sense of professional ethics, equity, justice, openness and respect.

The services you provide with humanity, accuracy and compassion, in both the shadows and the spotlight, are necessary and greatly appreciated. For all of this and so much more, I thank you. Have a wonderful week.

Michaëlle Jean

Media Information
Marie-Ève Létourneau
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