Toronto, Saturday, November 13, 2010

My wife, Sharon, and I are very pleased to be with you this evening.

We arrived into the horse world late in life but that has not dampened our passion. From a modest start, we now have a full dressage training barn. Chartterbox Farm, surrounded by old order Mennonites, has and will continue to provide a respite for our very busy schedules.

In preparation for this evening, I have been thinking about the marvellous contribution that the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has made in Canada since it began in 1922.

It struck me that many of the ways that the Royal contributes to Canada coincide with the very objectives that I am pursuing as governor general. Specifically, the Royal supports Canadians families. It reinforces learning and innovation. And it promotes volunteerism and philanthropy.

Let me explain.

For many Canadian families, their annual trip to the Royal is a time-honoured family tradition. I sincerely believe this is something which should be celebrated. In an age when so many families are in need, providing a place for people to learn and have fun together is such an important way we can protect our country’s very foundation. There are few events that support our families as well as the Royal year after year after year.

The Royal gives people who have never set foot on a farm the chance to get right up close to large and small animals alike.  It offers people who have no knowledge about farming the chance to learn about agri-food production, research and business. It enables people to look back into Canada’s rich agricultural heritage, and ahead to the role that agriculture plays in sustaining our economic prosperity today and tomorrow.

The Royal promotes volunteerism. I know that many of you have volunteered at the Royal for years. I know that you also give back to your communities in other ways. And I know that you encourage young people to get involved in the Fair, particularly through organizations such as 4-H.

What an investment you are making in the welfare of communities across Canada! What incredible opportunities you are giving to our children today! Because of your work, they will be ready to take your place in positions of leadership tomorrow.

On that note, I would like to pay special tribute to the significant role that Royal Presidents—past and present—continue to play in making the Fair such a success.

Without this very dedicated group of people, the Royal could not have become the kind of event it is today. Without their time, talents and resources, the Royal could never have become a place where over 340,000 participants and visitors take part year after year after year.

On behalf of all Canadians, I thank you for your commitment, your leadership and your hard work. Your efforts make us proud. And they inspire all of us to do more.

In conclusion, thank you for the ways in which the Royal supports families. Thank you for the ways it reinforces learning and innovation. And thank you for the ways it encourages volunteerism.

Thank you.