Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, May 30, 2015

This is the fifth time I’ve had the privilege of presenting the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards to some of Canada’s greatest artistic talents. I’m deeply honoured to pay tribute to these Canadian heroes.

It takes a special kind of person to perform so magnificently in the spotlight, surrounded by the controlled chaos of creativity.

And without a doubt—whether they perform onstage or behind the scenes, or whether they give their time or treasures to the arts—our laureates are many splendored people.

They entertain and enlighten us. They create whole worlds.

And they make it look so easy!

Up there on the balcony, ladies and gentlemen, are tonight’s laureates. Those who truly make the arts come alive. Those whose vision and commitment is second-to-none in the world.

They’ve given us so much, and it’s only fitting that we give them our deepest thanks in return.

These awards, established by my predecessor, the Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, are a symbol of excellence and of the importance Canadians place in the performing arts.

Tonight, we continue that legacy.

Tonight, we celebrate our very best.

The performing arts challenge us to look deeper, to think more critically, to learn and to grow.

Most of all, the performing arts inspire us.

They inspire us to do better, to create our own possibilities, to dream big and work hard and never stop learning.

That’s what the performing arts mean to me. And that’s why I’m so delighted to stand here to honour these brilliant Canadians.

I’ve met so many around the world who admire the work of Canadian artists, proof of the scope and impact of this country’s creative spirit.

Now let me bring my song and dance to a close. Always leave them wanting more, as they say in show business!

And to our laureates: thank you, and congratulations on this deserved honour.