Regina, Saskatchewan, October 11, 2012

Thank you for welcoming my wife, Sharon, and me to your legislature for this wonderful occasion. We are delighted to be here to celebrate the anniversary of one of the truly great buildings in Canada.

And when I say great, I mean that in every sense: as a place where democracy finds expression in the hard work of governing and of loyal opposition, and as a symbol of the vision and daring of the people of Saskatchewan.

As you know, it was my predecessor Earl Grey who laid the cornerstone of this legislature, in 1909. At that time, the building was still years from completion, but even then Lord Grey was struck by the boldness of the vision taking shape on this prairie landscape.

“I do not think I have ever been so greatly surprised,” he said. “I realized for the first time how extremely dignified your new parliamentary and executive buildings will be . . . and the big ideas which they have . . . given expression to.”

Standing here with you a century later, I too am struck by a sense of this building as a crucible of “big ideas” and of great possibilities—for Saskatchewan and for Canada.

If history is any indication, the people of this province will continue to change Canada for the better. From the social innovation of Medicare to the sub-atomic insights of the synchrotron, Saskatchewan has a reputation for caring, for leadership and for ingenuity.

It is a reputation that is both well-deserved, and growing.

In fact, when this legislature opened, the prevailing view was that the 20th century would belong to Saskatchewan, and what is so remarkable is that, 100 years later, we can again credibly say the same of the 21st century.

Of course, this is not to say this province is without challenges—and indeed, Saskatchewanians have always known there is no place for complacency on the prairie.

However, looking to the future, you have many reasons for optimism.

The sense of hope that exists here helps to explain why Saskatchewan has attracted the attention not only of Canadians, but of people from around the world. Today, this province is a beacon of possibility, just as Canada itself is in so many ways the envy of the world.

The story of Saskatchewan is inseparable from that of Canada. Your promise is our promise, and this celebration is our celebration, so on behalf of all Canadians, I wish you a wonderful anniversary year—and many more.

Thank you.