June 25, 2025

Check against delivery

Good morning and welcome to Rideau Hall.

I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation.

By acknowledging their enduring connection to this land, we honour their stories and continue to foster reconciliation through understanding.

This is a place where people have met for centuries, and where Canada’s Governors General have lived since 1867.

Look around you and you’ll see reminders and symbols of Canada’s distinct national identity.

Certainly in the flags and architecture, but there are also stories in the gardens and the artwork.

When we gather at Rideau Hall, we are reminded of our shared values: of respect, compassion, and hope.

Gatherings are held to acknowledge individuals for their outstanding achievements.

Today, thirty-one appointees will be invested into the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada was created in our Centennial year – 1967 – to thank these trailblazers for their dedication to community, and for their service to Canada as a whole.

Today twenty-nine Canadians will receive Meritorious Service Decorations.

We recognize their remarkable achievement in a specialized field, including humanitarian efforts and advocacy, health care, and research.

Sitting beside you and among you, are scientists, artists, writers, doctors, nurses, social advocates, innovative thinkers and do-ers.

Their actions not only transform communities across Canada.

The ripples of their positive influence will reach the wider world.

Excellence and perseverance, and contributing to society are choices.

To the individuals we honour today:  We recognize that you may have had moments when you could have chosen differently.

We appreciate that you chose to help others, to keep going.

To see the bigger picture and decide to make a difference.

It’s a priority in my role as Governor General to create moments for us to be together.

I am glad you travelled to be here in person.

There is so much to learn from each other.

So today, congratulations to all of you.

We celebrate your good deeds, great ideas, and the constant effort it takes to build and fight for, and protect, new ways of doing things.

And all within our peaceful democracy.

None of it is easy work. 

But it is alive and evolving.

We hope today that you can see our appreciation.

Thank you for your pursuit of excellence.