Vancouver, Thursday, March 9, 2006

It has been an extraordinary pleasure for me to spend the past three days experiencing the generous hospitality of British Columbians. The warmth of your climate is surpassed only by the welcome of your citizens. And loving Vancouver as I do, I hope not to wear out this welcome by taking advantage of it as often as my duties permit.

This trip has given me many wonderful memories to ensure my return.

My first stop in Victoria was typically British Columbian. The Friends of the Government House Garden Society gave me the opportunity to experience some of your early spring blossoms.

At your magnificent provincial legislature, I was greeted, in French and English, by an enthusiastic assembly of citizens at both ends of the age spectrum. Inside the parliament buildings, I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the historic leadership role that British Columbians have played in electing representatives from your province’s diverse ethnic communities.

This was followed by a remarkable sail aboard the HMCS Calgary of CFB Esquimalt, where I participated in a mock rescue operation. I was honoured to pay tribute to the women and men who serve in our Canadian Forces, protecting and promoting the values so many of us take for granted, while sacrificing unprecedented time with loved ones. In these difficult times, I have a very special thought for our soldiers abroad.

After meeting with Mayor Allan Lowe and Victoria city councillors, I had the enormous pleasure of presenting the Caring Canadian Awards to two outstanding British Columbians. Ordinary, yet extraordinary people who, without any expectation of reward, spread compassion, offer solace and toil behind the scenes to make our society better, more just and more humane.

Yesterday, I also had the privilege of celebrating International Women’s Day with Lieutenant‑Governor Iona Campagnolo and her guests at Government House. Because I spent my early working years helping to set up women’s shelters for survivors of violence in Quebec, I so appreciated the opportunity to mark this occasion with others who share my commitment. The numbers of women and their children who continue to be affected by violence and misogyny are staggering, and we all bear the costs.

This morning, I joined Mayor Sullivan and Vancouver city councillors to unveil the 1952 Olympic Flag from the first winter games in Oslo. And I had the opportunity to recognize the innovative commitment to inclusion that has become a hallmark of Vancouver’s Olympic and Paralympic preparations. I look forward to being able to tell other Canadians about the measures being taken here to ensure that the Games you host in 2010 are the catalyst for building social infrastructure and community around the province. Vancouver will be the gathering place for all Canadians and the entire world.

Indeed, I hope that your Legacies Now program becomes part of the criteria that future Olympic and Paralympic hosts must commit to meeting: To expand the spirit of striving for excellence to encompass social development as well as sport. And to create greater opportunities for people with disabilities to participate more fully as citizens, contributing their gifts to the greater good.

Yesterday, I met with young immigrants who shared with me their concerns and their dreams in a very convincing way. And I look forward to meeting today with young Aboriginal entrepreneurs who want to explore new business opportunities in order to improve their conditions and their communities.

It has been an enormous privilege to begin this rich, constructive dialogue with British Columbians. I have learned a great deal and look forward to sharing your views and your initiatives with Canadians across the country.

Allow me now to salute the vision and leadership of your city and province. It is my sincere hope that your use of the Olympics and Paralympics to promote a more expanded awareness of the gifts of all human beings will benefit us all.

To your success!