Halifax, Tuesday, February 13, 2007

My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are pleased to be in such fine company at this dinner graciously hosted by the lieutenant governor, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, on the occasion of our first official visit to Nova Scotia.

We are thrilled to be in the vibrant and dynamic province of Nova Scotia and to start a meaningful dialogue on your concerns, hopes and achievements as a province.

In my own very short time here, and on previous trips before this first official visit, I have discovered that the brisk winds that batter your beautiful coastal province are countered by the warmth, hospitality and generosity of the people who live here. I have already been inspired by many of you, starting with you, Your Honour.

A former director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for the province, Her Honour says the celebration of equity and inclusion will continue to be of primary influence in her role as the first African Nova Scotian to become lieutenant governor.

Last night, I was honoured to visit the Black Cultural Centre and learn more about the rich history, profound legacies and cultural traditions of Nova Scotia’s Black community. It was a truly historic moment: for the first time, two Black Canadian women standing in celebration as representatives of the Crown. A truly memorable experience!

And, as I visited Pier 21 yesterday, I was deeply touched by the testimonials, the photos that remind us of the experiences of the thousands upon thousands of people who came to these shores hoping for a better life. I can’t imagine a better place to have listened to immigrant women who chose Nova Scotia as the place in which to build better futures for themselves and their families. They shared with me their stories of surmounting obstacles and achieving success.

Later that day, that same sense of hope and determination was very much in evidence when I met with participants in the Phoenix Youth Program. They had a lot to say about how they are overcoming the challenges they face.

Earlier today, at historic Province House, I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on Joseph Howe’s critical role in seeding the importance we attach to freedom of speech in this country. I was honoured to be the first governor general of Canada to be invited to address your House of Assembly.

Let me tell you how delighted I am to have had the opportunity to meet Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy at Province House and other members of the Mi’kmaq Nation.

My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are excited to be able to meet Nova Scotian Francophones tonight.

Jean-Daniel also had the pleasure of speaking with several members of your community yesterday.

We know that in September 2004, you celebrated the 400^th anniversary of the arrival of French settlers in Acadia, and we are delighted to celebrate the unique contribution of Acadians to this dynamic province, and to the development of La Francophonie in Canada.

We encourage you to take great pride in belonging to the large Francophonie family and to show your pride in all aspects of society.

We must never forget Francophones are not alone in wanting to keep the French language alive. Nor is it their responsibility alone.

We should all claim a portion of this collective wealth and be proud of it. Because Canada’s linguistic duality opens the door for two of the most-spoken languages in the world.

I strongly believe that it is so much more rewarding when we work together to break down the barriers—of language and race, gender and religion, poverty and disability, geography and age.

I have pledged to use my office to focus attention on dismantling these differences, to break down solitudes—to seek and to celebrate the commonalities that connect us instead. And I know that Nova Scotians are well equipped to join me in this task.

You embody the Canada that is so dear to our hearts, and you have a critical role to play in ensuring that all your citizens have a voice in building a society that continues to be a model for others around the globe.

Let us raise our glasses to your leadership, your success and to the beauty of this land!