Rideau Hall, Tuesday, July 1, 2014

What a pleasure it is to welcome you to Rideau Hall, home of the people of Canada, which is steeped in history and tradition. And Happy Canada Day to all of you!

It is certainly wonderful to honour all of you here today because you are essential to creating the smarter, more caring nation we all know Canada can be.

Each of you has discovered that giving back is one way to build a stronger community. You have improved lives, helped others, and given freely of your time and your talents.

What’s more, you have inspired others with your giving. That is why it is important that we honour your achievements. When we share your stories with a wider audience, we motivate others to give back, and to find their own giving moments.

The Caring Canadian Award recognizes your giving and your commitment to a better Canada. It is presented to the unsung givers of our nation, to those who do so much for others, without any expectation of reward.

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

Perhaps some of you noticed as you arrived the unique travelling exhibit that has found its way to Rideau Hall. Titled It’s An Honour!, it has been featured in communities across the country. It has brought the history of our awards, decorations and medals directly to Canadians, as well as the stories of people just like you.

I hope that you will take the opportunity to tour the exhibit, as your stories are now a part of the story we have been telling across the country, a story that will continue criss-crossing the country in the coming months.

It is our hope that people will see your commitment to giving and will then be inspired to also give back.

That is the power that your stories hold, and why this travelling exhibit is such a wonderful initiative.

All of the people behind those stories—all of them and all of you—have left an indelible mark on Canada, one that will continue to encourage each of us to do better, to share your accomplishments, and to urge others and myself to create a stronger, smarter, more caring country, for many years to come.

Congratulations, and thank you, once again, for all that you do.