Mexico City, Mexico, Saturday, December 1, 2012

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. What a pleasure it is to see so many friends of Canada here in Mexico.

Our two countries are strong partners in North America, working together in many diverse and exciting ways to the benefit of both of our peoples.

This begins with people like you, who recognize how important it is for countries like Canada and Mexico to work together. We are collaborative because we know that is the best way to achieve success domestically and internationally.

This desire to work together is at the heart of our relationship. It is a characteristic that I have observed among Canadians and friends of Canada around the world, and it is one that Mexicans no doubt carry with them everywhere they go as well.

In fact, our people-to-people links are growing, leading to increased opportunity for collaboration. As a result, Canada and Mexico are among each other’s largest trading partners; our universities and colleges participate in numerous exchanges; and we are constantly promoting co-operation between the governments and institutions of both countries.

This gathering is cause for celebration. Our world today is characterized by a deepening integration, largely as a result of the communications revolution heralded by the rise of the Internet. Nevertheless, there remains no substitute for international exchange and face-to-face gatherings like this one.

You are making real contributions to Canada and to Mexico. For Canadians, communities like this one are a great asset. You help to extend our range and to broaden our linkages with this important region.

That is why I am delighted that we are honouring those with us today who have been instrumental in promoting our shared values while strengthening our connections in education, business, diplomacy, culture, sport and media. All of you understand the need for collaboration, for sharing in the 21st century, of which I spoke earlier.

You have dedicated your lives to building a better country, a smarter, more caring world, and a fairer, more just society. And you understand that this begins with people working together and standing side by side in pursuit of common goals.

The world has long embraced Canada and made us stronger, and today you continue to forge even stronger links with countries such as Mexico, one of our most important partners.

It is up to us to create the smarter, more caring world of which we dream. Let us strive to build fair, prosperous and inclusive societies in which equality of opportunity and excellence go hand in hand. 

Together, we have much to learn from each other. I thank all of you for your contributions to our friendship, and I congratulate all of the recipients today of the Governor General’s Visit Medallion. These medallions were created in order to recognize those who have worked so hard to enhance Canada-Mexico relations. We are happy to have so many of you here with us this evening.