Calgary, Tuesday, November 13, 2012

What a pleasure it is to join you here today on this beautiful and dynamic campus.

I have been looking forward to this visit. The University of Calgary’s goal of becoming one of Canada’s top five research universities by 2016 is characteristically ambitious, and I am delighted to be here at such an exciting time.

In fact, the title of your five-year strategy—Eyes High—reminds me of the name that the Salish-Flathead people gave to David Thompson, the great 18th century explorer of Western Canada. They called him Koo Koo Sint, or “Star Gazer,” because of his habit of navigating by the stars.

I know we have more than our share of star gazers at this university and in this room today, and that many are students. And that is why I am so pleased to note the extent to which students are leading this university and this community towards a bright future.

I say this because, in order to meet the challenges and opportunities facing this city, this province and this country, we need the talent and energy of young people.

It is no secret that students today are confronted with many economic, demographic and social challenges. But having spent much of my life studying and working in a university setting, I also know that young people are remarkably flexible, unafraid of complexity and eager to challenge the status quo.

This attitude is essential to Canada’s success in a rapidly changing world. Young Canadians are often told they are “the future” of this country, and of course in many ways that is true. But I also think referring to students in the future tense does them a disservice, when in fact young people are shaping the present in remarkable ways.

We shouldn’t be surprised, because this has always been the case.

Consider the example of David Thompson—our “Star Gazer.” He was just 16 years old when the Hudson Bay Company first sent him to help set up a trading post in the interior! To be sure, times were very different back then, but my point is this: not only can young people change the world—they have always done so.

I have no doubt that students here are making real contributions to this community, because the apprenticeship is already well underway. The faculty and leaders of this university seek to blend the learning community with the community at large, and I want to commend all who are involved in this worthy effort.

Thank you.