Rideau Hall, Friday, November 21, 2014

My wife, Sharon, and I are pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall today for this very special occasion.

One of the great privileges of being governor general is having the opportunity to recognize extraordinary Canadians for their contributions to our country.

It was Wilfrid Laurier who once said:

“When my eyes close, I hope it will be on a united Canada, cherishing an abundant hope for the future.”

I want to zero in a little on the “abundant hope” that Laurier spoke of, because I know that each of you shares in this hope for Canada as well.

As members, officers and companions of the Order of Canada, you desire “a better country”—and your desire is fuelled by hope and optimism.

For Laurier, this sense of hope manifested itself in a clear vision for Canada and what he called the “sunny ways” of dialogue, patience, respect and compromise.

When I think of the accomplishments that have led to your being named to the Order of Canada, I recognize the same mixture of conviction and co-operation that has always been at the heart of this country’s success.

In such a wonderful variety of ways, you have contributed to your communities, to our country and to the wider world.

You have done so by striking the right balance between your own personal vision and collaboration with others.

And you have succeeded through a great deal of hard work and determination.

Each of you also understands that, ultimately, there is no individual success without shared success, and that we are better when we work together.

With that in mind, I would like to call on each of you to think of ways in which the Order of Canada can serve as an instrument for strengthening this country by working in some form of association.  I invite you to think of your investiture today, in the words of one of your fellow members, as a threshold moment rather than a culminative one.

As you in this room demonstrate, the members, officers and companions of the Order are involved a remarkable range of activities that extend into every region of Canada. As a network of Canadians you therefore have the opportunity to be a remarkable force for change, above and beyond what you have already accomplished.

With Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017 fast-approaching, let us strive to find new and creative ways to serve this country. We have a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting gift to Canada.  

I am so delighted to invest each of you with this honour today. You are most deserving, and you give me abundant hope for our shared future.

And, before I end my remarks, I would like to highlight another cause for celebration: the 95th birthday of Mrs. Eleanor Collins, who is being invested as a member of the Order of Canada today.

Happy birthday, Mrs. Collins!