Rideau Hall, Monday, November 10, 2014

It is a pleasure to welcome you both to Rideau Hall, and to Ottawa. Sharon and I are delighted to, once again, welcome members of the Royal Family to the home of the people of Canada.

Your Royal Highness, you have for many years been a part of our daily lives here at Rideau Hall. Every year, so many Canadians walk past the ceremonial tree you planted in 1979, and then enter the residence through the accessible Princess Anne Entrance, which you so graciously unveiled in 1982.

Your visit is a reminder of the long-standing traditions of our constitutional monarchy. In fact, you have visited Canada on many occasions to reinforce our ties with our monarchy and to celebrate our accomplishments.

And once again, we are proud to share our very best with you. We know that you are here in Canada for only a short time, and that you will not have time to travel the country as widely as you might wish. And so, we thought we might bring our excellence to you.

With us today are people from across Canada who have been honoured for a lifetime of achievement; for bravery, valour, service and compassion; and for contributions to the fields of science, and business, and education. Also with us today are Olympians, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, young people and others who are making their mark on our country, and the world.

Collectively, they have done so much, and yet they still represent only a fraction of what Canadians have accomplished throughout history. They embody the story of Canada, a story of national and international success and collaboration.

I hope that you will have the chance to speak with as many of them as possible, and to discover again what makes this country truly special.

And I hope, too, that Canadians will learn from you, as you have been an inspiration to so many during your life. You have served the Crown and your country faithfully, as has your husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and you have both used your positions to quicken the minds and the hearts of many worthy causes.

You have personally been a champion of sports, and have supported and empowered children around the world. Your efforts have improved so many lives, and you have inspired others to volunteer and get involved in their communities.

You and I share a desire to create a better world—a smarter, more caring world—a world that supports the most vulnerable among us, and recognizes and encourages excellence.

One of the important reasons for your visit to Ottawa is to join Canadians as we mark Remembrance Day. I will be proud to stand beside you tomorrow as we rededicate the National War Memorial, which your grandfather, King George VI, unveiled 75 years ago.

Tomorrow’s events will be all the more poignant, given the tragic events that occurred in this city, at the Memorial, just a few short weeks ago.

Canadians are reassured by your presence here for this sombre occasion, and we thank you for your continued support of the members of our Canadian Armed Forces and the veterans of Canada.

Sharon and I hope that this short visit will be both interesting and enlightening for you.

I would like now to raise a glass to Her Majesty The Queen, whom I represent here in Canada, and whose message of service and good works you represent with great honour wherever you go.

The Queen!