Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Thursday, June 13, 2013

It is such a pleasure to be here with all of you today.

Thank you so much for the wonderful musical performance.  I very much enjoyed listening to you play.

Not only am I delighted to meet you and to see what you are learning, but this is also a very special occasion, as we present the Caring Canadian Award to people in the community—even to some of your classmates!

I understand that some of you have been learning about what this award means. More than that, I know that you have been nominating people in the community and in this very school for this award. I came here today not just to present these awards, but to say thank you to all of you.

There are two words I often use to describe Canada: smart and caring. These words apply to all of you here today. You have shown me what character and conviction you have, and it fills me with pride.

So to all of you here, thank you.

And to all those receiving the Caring Canadian Award, we also owe you our gratitude for working so hard to help people at home and abroad. You have done much to improve lives, and you have changed this world for the better in the process.

Congratulations to you!

I am inspired by what all of you have done. It is never too early or too late to help someone, whether it is by supporting a charity or helping out at home, with a friend or a family member.

This is one lesson that I hope will stick with you throughout your lives.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of others.