Rideau Hall, Sunday, April 28, 2013

Welcome to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

For almost 150 years, Canadians have gathered here to exchange ideas and dreams for our country, and to discuss our role in the world.

And tomorrow, on National We Day, thousands of young Canadians will likewise gather to share their hopes for a better country and world—and to rededicate themselves to building them.

Each of you knows how critical it is for us to encourage and support the efforts of young people. You know that the challenges we face will only be met with the active participation of all citizens, including youth.

You also know that young people will accept nothing less than to be full partners in building the Canada—and the world—of the future.

And nor should they, because it is they who will inherit the world from us.

This is why you are involved in National We Day, which offers such wonderful encouragement and inspiration to the youth leaders of today. This event reminds young people that they are not alone in their efforts—that in fact they are part of a national movement for positive change.

And, perhaps most importantly, it reminds them that they can make and are making a difference.

This event also serves as a reminder to us of the importance of doing everything we can to enable Canada’s youth to reach their full potential.

As governor general and as a father and grandfather, I truly believe that our greatest hope for building a smarter, more caring world lies in the optimism, creativity and willingness to work together demonstrated by so many of our young people.

With this in mind, I would like to thank you for offering your invaluable support to National We Day.

Thank you.