Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

At the heart of all the storms weathering humanity and all the uncertainty bombarding the world, there are women and men reviving hope.

The people we are celebrating today are of that same calibre.

We are incredibly blessed to have women and men in this country who refuse to accept things the way they are and continue to believe in a better future.

Women and men who follow their dreams and choose to get involved when others might turn away.

Women and men who continue to outdo themselves on a daily basis and distinguish themselves in a wide range of endeavours, for the good of us all.

It is an honour to welcome to Rideau Hall and to the Order of Canada artists, community leaders, researchers, world leaders in medicine, lawyers, business people, athletes, politicians, and people who have dedicated their lives to public service or the well being of their community.

You work in a wide range of areas, but what brings you together is your willingness to help shape humanity and leave a mark on the world.

We are much indebted to the power of your imagination and your innovation, your daring, your sense of justice and commitment, your concern for others, your passion, and your desire to know and explore every dimension of the world.

Because you have each touched many lives.

Think of the families whose daily lives you have improved and the children to whom you have provided food, possibilities and dreams.

Think of the people whose hearts and bodies you have taken care of, whose health and quality of life you have improved.

Think of all those you have delighted, touched, entertained and encouraged to reflect.

Think of the vulnerable individuals whose rights you have defended and whose dignity you have restored.

Finally, think of all of us, your fellow citizens, who have benefitted from your actions, whether by contributing to environmental protection, proudly representing us in the sports arena, or giving our society a vision and contributing to its prosperity.

You bring happiness, confidence and comfort to those around you, and that is why we would like to express our gratitude to you today.

On behalf of the people of Canada, I would like to thank you for the remarkable contribution you have made to our collective well being and for the eagerness with which members of the Order of Canada have taken part in the Mentorship Program, which is successfullyheading into its second year in 2010 and which aims to form a connection between the wisdom you represent and a younger generation in search of inspiration.

And may the example you set be a call for commitment, action and solidarity in a world that is in great need of all three. 

Thank you very much.