Ottawa, Monday, October 15, 2012

It is a pleasure to join all of you here to honour three remarkable individuals.

Medicine is one of the oldest fields of study in the world, and it has never been a stagnant one. It is constantly changing and evolving along with our technology and our understanding of biology.

Canadians have a proud history of pushing the boundaries of medicine. From the technological to the molecular to the social, Canadians have long been at the forefront of modern medical treatment.

In 1921, for instance, the discovery of insulin by Canadian researchers completely changed how we treat a variety of diseases, such as diabetes.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Canadians have made vital contributions to the medical community.

Of course, it is good to remind ourselves of this fact now and again. That is what we are doing today, as we announce the winners of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Scientific Awards.

Dr. Wells, Dr. Picketts and Dr. Soleimani know that researchers can always strive to learn new things, to search for new treatments and cures, and to give hope to so many people.

I commend each of them for what they have done thus far. I also know that, whether they are near the beginning of a long career or already deeply entrenched in the research world, each of them has so much yet to give.

We also know that these accolades are never won in a vacuum. All of the men and women at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute deserve our thanks.

Innovation, after all, is a shared endeavour, and one of which you should all be proud.

When you honour one of your own, a peer in the industry, you are showcasing the contributions that all of you have made to medicine.

What you do, day in and day out, is simply extraordinary.  

One of the most satisfying aspects of my role as governor general is celebrating excellence across the country. I do this not only through the Canadian Honours System, but wherever I can.

I have seen what Canadians can accomplish when they work together towards a common goal. I have seen what researchers like you can do on behalf of men, women, children—everyone who looks to you for hope.

When I think back to the medicine that was practised even 20 years ago, it is fascinating to think of how much has changed. New technologies and new techniques have made once-dire conditions completely treatable. That is what medical innovation has done. That is what you do and what you will continue to do—save lives, change lives.

I commend the recipients of these awards and all researchers for what they do for our country and the world.

Thank you.