Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Sunday, June 15, 2014

Sharon and I are delighted to be here with all of you in Charlottetown for this celebration of history and family. What a glorious day!

And how wonderful it is to be here on Father’s Day, as well; I hope all the dads out there are having fun!

It was here, in this city, that Canada took its first steps towards nationhood. And so we can say that PEI is the Father of Canada. And it is here that I see Canadians enjoying the fruits of the labours that created Canada, 150 years later.

As governor general of Canada, I am pleased to be here to mark such an important anniversary. Even though I am confident you already know about the importance of the Charlottetown Conference, I encourage you to learn more about it and why it was a turning point for this city and for our country.

But this day is about more than just history. It is also about being with family.

As a father and grandfather, I know how important it is to spend time with family, and the joy at seeing kids running around, playing and enjoying the outdoors.

I also know what happens to kids when they are exposed to too much stimulation and sugar, so my sympathies to the exhausted young families here with us!

All kidding aside, I truly believe it is important that we have days like this, days for families to spend quality time together. There is no substitute for reconnecting and discovering and learning together.

And there is nothing like being in the great outdoors. I can’t think of anything more glorious than Canada in the summertime. If you don’t believe me, just take a look around!

Of course, though we are surrounded by green space, you cannot go very far in Charlottetown without also running straight into a history lesson.

Victoria Park was, of course, named after Queen Victoria, Canada’s longest reigning monarch and the one who witnessed the birth of our country. And so, it is fitting that we have gathered today in a historical place from which we can also look toward the future.

Because when I look at all of you, families who have come out to enjoy the day together, I see the future of this country. I see tomorrow’s artists and scientists; I see volunteers and teachers and entrepreneurs. I see people who will continue to make this a stronger community, who will care for the well-being of others. I see a smarter, more caring nation, proudly heading toward 2017 and the 150th anniversary of Confederation thanks to people like you.

Finally, I see young people—those who are both the future and the present of this country—people who are creating change right now, as we speak.

The 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference is a significant event for this city and for Canada. I am delighted that I was able to join you here on this occasion.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day!