Rideau Hall, Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I am pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

When I was installed as governor general almost two-and-a-half years ago, I titled my installation address “A Smart and Caring Nation: A Call to Service.” I did so because the notion of service—of dedicating oneself to the greater good—is essential to the smarter, more caring Canada of which we dream.

My predecessor, the Right Honourable Georges Vanier, made a similar call at the end of his inaugural address to Canadians in 1959, when he said:  

“If Canada is to attain the greatness worthy of it, each of us must say, ‘I ask only to serve.’”

For all that has changed in the intervening years, the importance of service to country remains constant. And that is particularly true of Canada’s public service, which has a special role to play in supporting our democracy and maintaining the public trust—particularly during these transformative times.

Throughout her long career, Susan Cartwright embodied the very best in public service, and she continues to inspire and to lead by example. She is a most deserving recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada.

I had the pleasure of working with Susan for several years during my tenure as president of the University of Waterloo. At that time, she was Waterloo’s liaison with the Deputy Minister University Champion Program, a wonderful initiative designed to improve links between the public service and Canadian universities.

The ties that Susan helped foster between universities and the public service have strengthened our country. And now that I, too, work for the Public Service of Canada, I have seen first-hand the professionalism of public servants—their integrity, their sense of stewardship and their dedication to excellence.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of these values, as well as the respect for democracy and for people that guide Canada’s public service. They are beacons of conduct for all Canadians, and statements to the world of that which we hold dear.

Susan exemplified these values throughout her career. Among other roles, she has served as an advisor to the Prime Minister, a top executive and an ambassador. To excel in these duties requires a great deal of hard work and creativity—not to mention a strong sense of purpose.

It is that sense of purpose that drives our finest public servants to excel, and to set the example for those who follow. Without a doubt, Susan Cartwright is a leader among her peers and former colleagues, and she has done a great service to her profession and to Canada.

For that, I offer my appreciation and sincere congratulations, on behalf of all Canadians.

Thank you.