Rideau Hall, Monday, February 3, 2014

I am delighted to welcome you to Rideau Hall today for this celebration of science and research in Canada.

Let me begin by highlighting a wonderful milestone in the history of Canadian discovery: the 200th anniversary of the publication of the Map of the North-West Territory of the Province of Canada—also known as the Map of 1814.

This remarkable map, which details millions of square kilometres stretching from Lake Superior to the Pacific, was perhaps the ultimate achievement of David Thompson, one of Canada’s greatest explorers.

The Salish-Flathead people called him Koo Koo Sint, or “Star Gazer,” because of his habit of navigating by the stars.

Thompson is a fascinating and important character in Canadian history, and what’s more, his outlook and methods have much in common with today’s leading scientists and researchers—that is to say, with the recipients of these prestigious NSERC awards. 

Let me count the ways.

Foremost, Thompson was insatiably curious and energetic. He also worked closely with others and gathered information from a wide range of sources—for example, from First Peoples, fur traders, and written accounts and records.

He also embraced technology, old and new—the canoe, the compass, the sextant. Painstakingly, he made observations, measurements and careful notes on his progress. 

I could go on. Suffice it to say, for all that has changed in our world in the past 200 years, the basics of discovery remain constant.

Intense curiosity, a willingness to collaborate and to use the latest and best technologies, and the ability to observe, to think critically and to take calculated risks—these remain the keys to discovery.

Today, we also have new tools at our disposal. To the telescope and microscope—which enabled us to see far and to see small, respectively—we have added the computer and the Internet, which allow us to find, gather, store, relate and experiment—in short, to see broadly and deeply. 

Each of our laureates this evening understands what it takes to successfully explore, to add to our store of knowledge and to innovate.

You work as individuals, as well as in teams and research groups. You work closely within schools, industry and government, forming partnerships for research, innovation and practical application.

Your diversity is impressive. You work in and transcend the fields of computer science, mathematics, evolutionary biology, quantum physics, nanotechnology, limnology, automotive engineering, and aquaculture.

Did I miss any?

For all your remarkable variety, you share a deep appreciation of the importance of learning together, and the way in which useful discoveries and innovations can occur as a result of such collaboration.

Your progress is important not only for its own sake, but also because learning and innovation take place on a continuum—one in which your findings have taken and will continue to take their place.

In years to come, leading Canadian researchers from the next generation will no doubt build upon your achievements—just as we owe a debt to the “Star Gazers” who preceded us. On that note, I am pleased to see both established scientists and young researchers being celebrated here this evening.

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my congratulations on receiving this prestigious honour.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to research and discovery. Yours is an essential contribution to a smarter, more caring Canada.