Calgary, Friday, May 5, 2006

My husband Jean-Daniel and I are delighted that my first official visit to Alberta allowed us to be here with you this evening at a dinner hosted by Their Honours, Mary and Norman Kwong, during Asian Heritage month.

Well before he ever became lieutenant governor, His Honour was an inspirational role model—not just for his immediate community, or for the citizens of his province, but for all Canadians.

A lesser man might have rested on the laurels earned during an outstanding athletic career. But you, sir, went on to display leadership in business and in community affairs.

As one who shared your experience of growing up as part of a visible minority, I particularly appreciate your contribution to promoting cross-cultural understanding.

The history of Asian immigrants in Canada has too often been the history of people who were powerless and discriminated against. But Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asians who settled here in Alberta and elsewhere in our country, persevered despite the hardships and humiliation.

They worked diligently, often sacrificing their present out of faith that their adopted country would eventually live up to its reputation. They believed in a just and equitable Canada where life would be better for future generations. In the process, they have helped to create that Canada—a nation that has become a model for the world of how diverse communities can live and prosper together.

Like Lieutenant Governor Kwong, I am particularly interested in finding ways to support our youth, who represent not only our future, but also our present.

When we ensure that our youngest citizens have a voice… That they have the opportunity to become fully involved in their communities… That there is a means for them to contribute to the dialogues that feed our decision-making processes… We support them in embracing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. We help them to realize their full potential. And we give them the capacity to live meaningful and rewarding lives.

Even the richest nation in the world cannot afford to waste the resources of one single human being—not one youth, not one immigrant.  In the context of a new global environment still rife with misunderstanding and violence, the capacity to build trust and consensus, to make room for and capitalize on the unique contributions of each and every citizen, are among our most important collective responsibilities.

So I invite you to join me now in raising a toast to Albertans, and the opportunity every one of you has to help build a better province, a better country.