Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A man, dressed in black, rises at the call of his name. He approaches the podium, looks out at the crowd, many of whom would be able to spot a lackadaisical sentence with very little effort. They are masters of the written word, creators of worlds, storytellers extraordinaire. And a forgiving audience, he hopes.

He opens his mouth and begins his address.

It is a short, simple scene—perhaps overly so given the esteemed company—yet it tells a story. Words strung together like holiday garland, creating a lasting image.

This is what you do, and what you do so well.

Throughout the history of the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the many laureates have all added to our cultural landscape.

Writers give us rich characters; they tell us true tales of bygone days and look to the future with hope and with warning; they teach us lessons both subtle and apparent.         

Illustrators provide us with a window; different colours working together to create images that lift the writing to new and startling heights.

Translators interpret and deliver the heart and soul of a body of text to English or French speakers. They are the gatekeepers to the unknown for the unilingual and help authors to reach a wider audience.  

Of course to capture the complete picture of writers, illustrators and translators is a nearly impossible task. These descriptions merely provides a quick snapshot as to what they can offer our society.

That is why we honour them, why we honour you here tonight. Your works have been selected as the very best in Canadian literature.

This did not happen by chance. Your efforts are evident on every page.

And even though you may be long removed from the creation of your books—having no doubt moved on to other works, other creative challenges—no doubt you remember the painstaking hours, days, months, and even years searching for perfection.

Pierre Burton once wrote: “The actual process of writing, I think, remains a mystery to non-writers.”

This holds true for all art forms, including illustrations and translations. It is hard to know—really know—just how difficult a process this is for those who don’t plunge themselves fully into creative pursuits.

But even if we can’t fully understand, at least we can show you the respect you deserve for your contributions to Canadian culture and world literature. That is why what the Canada Council for the Arts does is vital to our society, and why we thank them as well for their support.

I also hope that you have the opportunity to explore the exhibit here at Rideau Hall, dedicated to past—and present—Governor General’s Literary Award winners. Your books are on display alongside 75 years’ worth of exceptional storytelling for all Canadians to see.

We discover books, grow up with books, evolve with books, cherish books. And by extension, we cherish their creators. My nine grandchildren certainly do, and perhaps that is because their grandfather is always reading to them. In fact, because I am always seen with a book, they call me Grandpa Book!

Mr. Burton, himself a three-time GG award winner, would further postulate that “In truth, writing is mainly thinking and dreaming.”

You are the thinkers and dreamers, but you are so much more. You help to shape our literary landscape and encourage all Canadians to immerse themselves in the simple pleasure of books.

Sharon and I are delighted to congratulate all of you on this occasion.

Thank you.