Fermont, Quebec, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

My wife, Sharon, and I are delighted to join you here today. Thank you for such a warm welcome. What a great way to celebrate Fermont’s 40th anniversary!

Our visit has already been a memorable one, and we are grateful to all those who organized this wonderful day. We are so happy to meet with members of the community, those who have had a meaningful impact on strengthening and building Fermont.

Sharon and I feel right at home here, as we, too, grew up in a fairly isolated community in Northern Ontario. You inspire us with your dedication to this place!

And I am not the first governor general to think so. I know that it was more than 25 years ago that the Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé visited this community and was herself amazed by its versatility. And I think that she would be pleased to see the success you have had since that time and would marvel at all that has changed. 

This community is vibrant, alive and resilient. You have faced challenges and yet you continue to find innovate ways to renew yourself. Canada has a lot to learn from your efforts.

You are working together, collaborating with one another, and creating a smarter, more caring nation.

Your sense of community is the reason for the continuing vitality of Fermont and it is what brings us together today. Our visit has already given us the opportunity to meet with some wonderful people who are doing great things for this city and for this region.

And, as governor general, I am honoured to recognize some of these people today, people who have given of themselves for the betterment of the community, by presenting he Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award

Each of them has discovered that giving back is a wonderful way to build a stronger community. They have improved lives, helped others, and given freely of their time and of their talents.

What’s more, they have inspired others with their giving. That is why it is so important that we honour their achievements.

It is my pleasure to pay homage to all that they do for Canada.

I have seen some of what Fermont has to offer our country, but I know that you do so much more, each and every day. I have no doubt that you will continue building on your success as a strong and vibrant community. I wish all of you many more successful years in Fermont.

Thank you.