Pubnico, Nova Scotia, Thursday, May 31, 2012

I am delighted to be here with you today in Pubnico. This is the first time that a governor general has had the privilege of visiting your community, and I thank you for your warm welcome.

I have been looking forward to this visit and to learning more about your deep roots in this part of Nova Scotia. Yours is a truly remarkable history, and together you exemplify the commitment to place and to each other that distinguishes the Acadian people.

Let me congratulate you on your vision and resilience. Your ancestors settled in this region hundreds of years ago, and today you continue to work together to build something very special.

I am particularly struck by your sense of identity, and your ability to respect the past while looking to the future.

Earlier, I had the privilege of touring your community and gaining some insight into its history and economy. Your ongoing involvement in the fishing industry, as well as your dedication to preserving Acadian heritage and culture, speak eloquently of your dedication to this community. 

Each of you knows that language and culture are living things that must be nourished every day, and that from them we derive our vitality as individuals and as societies.

As governor general, I often refer to communities such as yours in my speeches throughout Canada and abroad. Your distinct language and traditions add immeasurably to our society, as do the personal ties that exist here. 

Canada is enriched by diversity, by the presence of minority communities such as Pubnico and the perspectives you provide.

I strongly believe it is in our differences that we find the most fertile ground for dialogue and discovery. Diversity also gives us a strong advantage in our rapidly globalizing world, and that is another reason why I am so pleased to note the well-being of your community.

Acadians know what it takes to adapt and thrive in times of change, and you know the importance of helping each other. On this note, I will be delighted to recognize Ms. Marlene d’Entremont and Mme Pauline Annette d’Entremont with a Caring Canadian Award for their contributions to your community and our country, following my remarks. 

All of you should be proud of your accomplishments. I encourage you to continue to support one another and to celebrate your traditions.

I also want to invite you to join all Canadians in looking ahead as we approach 2017, the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Canada is a bold experiment in tolerance, diversity and collaboration, but there is much to be done in building the smarter, more caring country of which we dream.

I ask: what can you offer Canada by way of a 150th birthday gift? What improvements can we focus on in the next five years as we move towards a more compassionate, and innovative, society?

The ideas and energy of Acadians are essential to our success as a nation.

I look forward to following your progress, and I wish you the very best.

Thank you.