Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, June 3, 2016

“The more thou searchest, the more thou shalt marvel.”

We passed beneath these words as we entered this impressive building. They have been here since Prime Minister Mackenzie King had them carved into the stone above the entrance following his election in 1935.

How fitting it is that this verse is here, on the building that was dubbed years ago as “The Temple of Science.”

Ever since, scientists have been hard at work here, adding to our store of knowledge.

And, oh, the marvels you have shown us.

Where do I begin?

Today, we gather to mark 100 marvellous years of the National Research Council.

The NRC has been behind so many groundbreaking discoveries and developments.

This includes direct association with no fewer than 13 Nobel laureates!

And that’s not to mention the multitude of Canadian success stories.

There has been an extraordinary period of discovery over the past 100 years, made even more striking by the fact that when the NRC first began, there were fewer than 50 full-time researchers in the physical sciences in Canada.

Today, there are thousands of researchers doing excellent and necessary work every day!

You know that we’re punching above our weight globally, both in research and in innovation.

The number of Canadians winning international acclaim and awards is proof of this.

But we can’t be complacent.

One unshakeable truth we must all face?

The pace of change is accelerating.

For the NRC, that means rededicating yourselves to your important work, and to finding new and better ways of doing things.

Because if change is the new constant, then innovation is the new imperative.

A few weeks ago, as you may know, given the NRC is a valued partner, I presented the inaugural Governor General’s Innovation Awards.

The opportunity to see so many brilliant minds and creative ideas in one room was nothing short of inspiring.

I left with the certainty that Canada is already changing the world. We need to shine a light on our success and support those who have the desire to discover.

That’s where you fit in.

Research is integral to innovation, and vice versa. The NRC is helping us to build a more innovative Canada, and a more knowledgeable one.

My congratulations to all of you who give so much to research in Canada.

It’s been a remarkable century for the NRC, and I have no doubt that many great discoveries and innovations will continue to emerge from this organization for years to come.

Thank you.