Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 12, 2014

It gives us great pleasure to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall.

It is a distinct privilege to work with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales on his charitable work here in Canada.

On his last visit here, I expressed my admiration for his work to broaden his charitable reach across Canada, building on his lifetime of charitable work in this country and around the world.

I have been truly impressed with Prince’s Charities Canada’s efforts to improve the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. And I am delighted that we have gathered here this evening to celebrate one of your more unique initiatives: The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur.

As commander-in-chief, I am concerned about the well-being of our soldiers and veterans, particularly those who have left the Forces. And as such, I am thrilled that such an innovative and important program has been created.

The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur provides transitioning military personnel with the education, mentorship and financing they need to launch their own businesses. In so doing, it helps to ensure that our veterans are successful outside of the Canadian Armed Forces, and are able to take care of themselves and their families.

Everyone needs to feel a sense of purpose, to have a source of pride. You help soldiers to find a new life, one away from the battlefield.

Since its creation, hundreds of people have taken part in your boot camps and seminars, and 72 businesses have already opened thanks to your involvement. Many of these are not only surviving, but also thriving.

Some of you here have taken part in this program and have reaped the benefits of the combined experience of field experts. I know that you are passing on your good fortune to others, and I thank you for all that you have done, both by serving our nation and by helping to creating prosperity.

Your success is a testament to your hard work and your determination to move on after wearing the uniform.

As you may know, volunteerism and philanthropy have been one of the pillars of my mandate, and since the beginning of my mandate, I have been encouraging Canadians to find ways to give back to their communities.

You have found your way and have inspired others through your commitment. You have made this program not only possible, but also successful.

Thank you for your role in supporting the program’s goals and for helping to make this a smarter, more caring nation.  I would also like to pay special tribute to Hilary and Galen Weston for the leadership they have demonstrated with Prince’s Charities Canada, which has resulted in fantastic initiatives such as this one. We are all better for your efforts. Thank you.

I hope you all enjoy the evening!