Montréal, Tuesday, November 27, 2012

What an honour it is to be with you today for this very special event at the home of the Fusiliers Mont-Royal, the oldest francophone regiment in Montréal.

Although this is my first visit to this historic building—as perhaps it is for you—I am well aware of the outstanding service to Canada provided by the members of this regiment, past and present.

In fact, several Fusiliers received the Diamond Jubilee Medal earlier this year, in recognition of their contributions to our country. How wonderful, therefore, to hold this ceremony in the home of this storied regiment.

As governor general and commander-in-chief, I have the great privilege of bestowing a variety of awards and honours on deserving Canadians. Our gathering today is unique in that it brings us together, within the context of a single ceremony, to present both the Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Caring Canadian Award.

I am delighted to see you gathered here together because in fact, these two honours have a great deal in common.

Let me begin with the Diamond Jubilee medal, which aims to recognize the great breadth and depth of service and achievement in Canada. Of course, we do so in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen, who exemplifies the ideal of service to others.

For six decades, Her Majesty has offered a remarkable display of constancy in rapidly changing times—just think of the many world events that have occurred during her reign. The Queen reminds us that while change is a constant, so too are the virtues of service to a cause greater than oneself.

Having devoted your lives to a variety of greater causes, those of you who are receiving the Diamond Jubilee Medal understand the timeless value of service to others.

The same can be said of those who are receiving the Caring Canadian Award for your extraordinary kindness and generosity.

Throughout my mandate, I have been calling on Canadians to imagine ways to build a smarter, more caring nation. And the example provided by volunteers and community builders like yourselves is an inspiration to me and to all Canadians.   

Each of you has made such a wonderful difference in the lives of others. Through your compassion, your resourcefulness and your determination to give back, you have made our country a better place. 

To all of today’s honorees, I am delighted to recognize your remarkable contributions to Canada.

Congratulations on receiving these honours. You are most deserving.

Thank you.