Rideau Hall, Friday, November 18, 2005

I am pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall for this very special ceremony.

I am particularly moved that this is my first opportunity to preside over the investiture ceremony of the Order of Canada, and I am very impressed by the assembly of accomplished individuals before me.

It is my good fortune as governor general to have a number of opportunities to celebrate excellence among Canadians.

There are, of course, the Performing Arts Awards, the Literary Awards, the Persons Case Awards, as well as others in the fields of Architecture, Teaching Canadian History, Journalism, and the Visual and Media Arts. There are also awards recognizing Bravery, Caring Canadians, and Merit.

At the summit of all such honours is, of course, the Order of Canada. What these awards illustrate is that our country is made up of absolutely amazing, generous, committed individuals, women and men who give their all as they strive for excellence.

But there is something in the Canadian psyche that makes us shrink back from self-congratulation.

To quote Marshall McLuhan, Canadians are “the people who learned to live without the bold accents of the national ego-trippers of other lands.”

That may be noble, but there is another expression that comes to mind: “modest to a fault.” We must not allow our modesty to overshadow our recognition of those Canadians who give so much to our country and to the world.

Among the women and men we are honouring today are individuals who have surpassed themselves in virtually every area of human endeavour.

You are a diverse group, one that includes leading scientists and community activists; volunteers who change the lives of those around them; artists whose personal journeys are a lesson in freedom in a world where we are under pressure to conform; teachers, entrepreneurs, physicians, working to better our lives; an Olympic champion, and a singing sensation.

And yet, while the diversity of this group distinguishes each and every one of you, there is one important thing that unites you.

As I read the citations paying tribute to each Order of Canada member, a recurring theme emerged. I began to notice that similar words kept cropping up, words like founded, established, co‑founded, trailblazing, pioneer, and many others.

So I realized in reading these citations that all of you have something in common: you are pioneers, trailblazers, builders, visionaries.

You have broken new ground in your chosen fields, extending the boundaries of human understanding. You have brought something entirely original into the world, adding to the beauty of the world around us.

In so doing, you have lived up to the spirit of the Order of Canada, Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam—“They Desire a Better Country.”

Through your efforts and extraordinary achievements, you have touched so many lives, each in your own way. Just think of the students you have helped, the people you have restored to health, the young people you have inspired. Consider for a moment the joy and comfort you have brought to those around you.

In fact, you have shown us that, when armed with an idea and strong determination, anything is possible. You face the impossible every day and have come to embody all that can be accomplished. I would even go so far as to say that you are the very epitome of hope. That you are role models for us all and that you inspire us to reach new heights.

And so today, we offer you our sincere gratitude.

On behalf of all Canadians, I salute you and extend my warmest congratulations to you on your vital contribution to our well-being and to our country. Thank you, one and all!