Presentation of the Public Service Outstanding
Achievement Award

Rideau Hall, Friday, January 15, 2010

These are very serious and trying times, as our sisters and brothers in Haiti have been once again hit by a disaster of unimaginable proportions.

But I believe hope can be found in this new ordeal, in the expressions of solidarity that have been shown all around the world since the first images of the devastation reached us.

When I was a little girl, my grandmother told me that every ordeal is an opportunity to rediscover what is essential and to learn from what has happened to better resist and return to life.

Although we are mourning those we have lost and trying to comfort those who survived, it is essential to recognize the extent of the solidarity being shown by so many Canadians and the entire world so that the people of Haiti know they are not alone.

These expressions of friendship remind us that humanity grows when differences are cast aside and when we work together we can get through the very worst of situations.

What brings me back to life and gives me hope are all the messages that have reached me, expressions of sympathy and solidarity with the families in mourning, those who have been devastated, anguished and overwhelmed by this slaughtering of human lives.

What helps ward off my pessimism and feelings of helplessness are all the initiatives being put in place by individuals, communities, municipalities, governments, institutions, businesses, professional associations, NGOs and artists, people from one end of the country to the other and from as far away as the Arctic, who want to contribute to the emergency efforts being made.

My heart and thoughts also go to our Canadian soldiers and police officers, our humanitarian workers, our embassy teams and personnel who are already there and working tirelessly doing an amazing job. All those who are also en route, very determined to make a difference and to lend a helping hand.

Today, on this occasion, let us join together to celebrate all those within our public institutions who want to sow the seeds of solidarity and the values of selflessness, justice and freedom, which are the very basis of our notion of democracy.

I have recently returned from a State visit to Central America, where members of society are working to strengthen still-fragile democratic institutions in that part of the world. I was proud to talk about the contributions Canada is making to support these efforts and promote a state of law.

It is a tradition that large Canadian institutions like the public service—which is responsible for ensuring that the government, and the fundamental values behind its action, run as they should—help to preserve.

It is tradition of impartiality, based on merit, striving for excellence and a constant concern for the well-being of others.

A tradition that is especially relevant and necessary because public policies now have consequences that extend beyond the interests of just the country and include the entire international community.

Consider the files you are responsible for: the public service, health, security, justice.

All must now be seen in a larger context and require a common and global approach.

It is impossible for us to go it alone at a time when interdependence is key.

Faced with increasingly globalized and complex issues, Canada’s public service took a chance on modernization and openness, and you have been agents of change through your leadership, your visionary spirit, your sound judgment and your dedication.

Because of you, the Canadian government is closer to the population’s realities and meets its needs with diligence.

Because of you, our country is better equipped to protect public health, which could be threatened by contaminated food products in our markets, among many other things.

Because of you, we have the means to act in times of crisis, to ensure people’s security and to help populations in need.

Because of you, Canada is a leader in the areas of fairness, rule of law, and protection of human rights.

I am delighted that Canada can rely on women and men like you to carry out the government’s mission, which is to serve with compassion, creativity, integrity and vision.

Ms. Branch, Dr. Farber, Mr. Judd, Mr. Sims, more than a profession, more than a career, this mission is your calling.

May your commitment be a source of inspiration to your colleagues, your employees, the next generation of public servants and to all Canadians.

Thank you for using your talent, your skills and your innovative spirit to serve the ideal we call Canada, an ideal the world needs now more than ever.