Victoria, Monday, September 26, 2011

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

We are always struck by the beauty of this part of Canada—the rugged, beauty of British Columbia’s mountains, forests and sea. And we are drawn to the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of your First Nations peoples.

We are excited about taking in some of that beauty, and learning more about those cultures and traditions over the next couple of days.

By coming here in our first year, we have visited every province and territory but one—the North West Territories—and we look forward to our visit there as well.

Our travels have allowed us to meet Canadians from all walks of life. We have met men, women and children, all of whom are extraordinary because of their commitment to serve; their willingness to share; their desire to help those around them; and their readiness to do what they can to make our country better for the generations to come.

They have inspired me to continually strive towards the goal I set when I became governor general last fall— to inspire Canada to become a smarter, more caring nation. A nation that supports families and children; that reinforces learning and innovation; and encourages philanthropy and volunteerism. A nation where all Canadians can contribute and succeed.

To help achieve that goal, I am calling on Canadians to look ahead to 2017 when we will celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary. I am asking Canadians to dream about the kind of country they desire. And more importantly, challenging Canadians to do what they can today, to make those dreams a reality tomorrow.

And it is in that spirit that I am looking forward to hearing from you, and your fellow British Columbians. Learning about your hopes, dreams, goals, and visions for what our country can become, and for the legacies you desire to leave behind.

Let me quote my favourite two lines from George Bernard Shaw, a famous British author: “Some people see things as they are and wonder ‘Why?’ We dream of things that ought to be and ask, ‘Why not?’”