Ottawa, Thursday, December 1, 2005

When my husband, daughter and I moved into Rideau Hall, we became new residents of the City of Ottawa. As chance would have it, we arrived in Ottawa the same year that you are celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the establishment of Ottawa as a city. I am pleased to be here today to mark this important date in the history of your city and to tell you just how delighted my family and I are at the prospect of becoming part of Ottawa city life.

Of course, your city is no stranger to me. As the national capital, Ottawa is often in the media spotlight. I have also had the opportunity to visit on a number of occasions. But visiting a city and living there are two completely different experiences. Since arriving in Ottawa, I have discovered a lush, green city, rich in its history, forward thinking and outward looking.

Marie-Éden and her father have cycled your magnificent bike paths along the Rideau River and the Canal. I, too, have enjoyed these paths on foot…closely followed by the RCMP. I have also strolled through the Byward Market and gone to the National Arts Centre and the Nouvelle Scène. I appreciate the quality of life here in Ottawa and the emphasis you have placed on culture, in both official languages.

The bilingual nature of this city certainly adds to its vitality and reach. This is very important to us as Francophones. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize both the vitality of Franco-Ontarians and the contribution of Quebec’s distinctiveness, so close by.

I have also had the opportunity to meet with a number of individuals, each one playing a vital role in the development of this city and the creation of a society that values the differences that make Canada strong and unique. I am certain that I will have the privilege of meeting more of your fellow citizens and continuing this dialogue with you in the years to come.

As governor general of Canada, I have seized every opportunity to reiterate that one of my priorities is not only to listen, but also to give a voice to the voiceless, to the women and men who are thus excluded. Moreover, I believe that the individualism of the past decades has seen its day and that we must now have faith in our ability to return to community values, to more civic values. Each and every one of us must do our part, working together to build the kind of society in which we wish to live. Our time must focus on openness, dialogue and alliances to build on our ties across all borders. I hope with all of my heart that you will help me with this task.

We would like to thank Mayor Chiarelli and the citizens of Ottawa for their warm welcome. Believe me when I say that Jean-Daniel and I are eager to become an active part of Ottawa city life.

Thank you.