Rideau Hall, Thursday, September 6, 2012

Welcome all of you to Rideau Hall!

It is an honour for me to help launch the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign. It is fitting that we gather here, at the home of the people of Canada, because it is Canadians who will benefit from our efforts.

I have seen first-hand how public servants are caring and compassionate individuals. Every day, they help to build a smarter, more caring nation, creating policies and helping Canadians in so many ways.

So I know that in the National Capital Region and extending across the country, we will see an outpouring of support through this charitable campaign for a variety of good causes.

In fact, that is what makes this campaign so special. We have so many different options for our giving, from United Way/Centraide to Healthpartners, from national to local in scope. It is easy for anyone to find a cause dear to them to support.

Throughout my mandate, I have been urging people to get involved in the community, to give what they can of their time, talent and treasure. No matter what we give, no matter how we give it, we can all make a difference. 

This is something I believe strongly myself and it begins at home.

There are a number of programs right here in the Ottawa area that need our support. For example, the Growing Up Great program, run by United Way Ottawa, gives children, no matter their social background, the chance to do better in school.

By focusing on early learning activities and social recreation programs, we can ensure that all young people in the National Capital Region can succeed in school and in life.

Helping others. That is what this campaign is all about.

We can make a difference in the lives of those in need. In the case of the GCWCC, we know that our efforts and contributions will be put to good use. The campaign is smart in its caring by reducing administrative costs and ensuring that more of our efforts will benefit people.

If each one of us can impact even one person’s life, we have made this country, this world, a little better.

The Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign has been so successful since its inception, helping thousands of Canadians in need, supporting vital research and building smarter, more caring communities.

We can enact change. That is the power of giving.

Finally, I would like to thank the organizers, who make this possible each and every year. Your efforts are appreciated not only by the public service, but also by all Canadians.

We are so fortunate as a country. Let us use that good fortune to better our communities and our country.

I wish all of you a successful campaign.