Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Welcome all of you to Rideau Hall.

This send-off for heads of mission is a long-standing tradition here at Rideau Hall. A way to say thank you for your service and to wish you bon voyage as you leave Canada to take up postings around the world.

Whenever I’ve travelled abroad, I’ve relied on the knowledge, skill and experience of Canadian missions. In fact, since becoming governor general, I’ve taken part in 43 missions. In the past year alone, I’ve been to Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Chile, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and most recently to the United States, my fourth such visit to one of our largest partners.

No matter where I’ve gone, I’m always impressed by the leadership and overall excellent quality of these teams. Our success around the world is thanks to dedicated Canadians, like all of you, who are promoting our country.

Today, we know more about the world than ever before. And yet, there are still many things we need to understand. And we must understand each other if we are to work together to create a better world.

That’s where you come in.

You have spent the last two weeks intensively preparing to take on your new role. Yet, you’ve been preparing your whole lives. Every professional experience you’ve had has led you to this moment.

But may I pass on several thoughts that come from my own international experiences over almost 60 years. My first such visit was for a 2-week youth tour to the United Nations when I was 15.

1. Listen. There is no greater skill for a diplomat to have than to be able to hear and understand what is being said from across the table.

2. Strengthen people-to-people ties. I’ve found that there are so many friends of Canada abroad and so many who are eager to collaborate with our country. Meet with as many people as you can and discover the wealth of a nation through new eyes.

3. Seek out fellow Canadians. There are many Canadians who are living abroad. Engage with them and find out why that country drew them there.

4. Explore. To understand a country, you must travel widely and experience its culture, languages and history.

As you embark on this adventure, allow me once again to thank you and your families for your service to Canada. I wish you the very best as you take on your new postings.