Regina, Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Thank you for welcoming me into your community to witness the fruits of your efforts to revitalize North Central Regina. Your energy, commitment and resourcefulness are inspirational.

I know first hand some measure of these challenges.  The fear of not having a home to go to, the pain of not having a job that will provide even the barest of necessities, and the trauma of being even more vulnerable to violence, crime or addiction as a result—these are things you never forget.

Children raised in such circumstances so often feel completely helpless. And in an effort to escape the cycle of poverty, to exert some control over their lives, youth too often end up following the very paths that are most likely to end in devastation.

But the marginalization of any human being is a loss to us all. And nothing in our affluent society is more harmful than our failure to nurture and support citizens who are most at risk. But we all know it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here in North Central Regina, you are proving that by working together, we can eliminate the barriers that prevent many of our most disadvantaged citizens from reaching their potential and making a contribution. By recognizing the strength that comes from ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity, we can enrich our entire society. And by collaborating, we can find meaningful solutions to the alienation that drives some people to isolation and despair.

Every one of us, with every action we take and every attitude we express, has an opportunity to foster respect, promote dialogue, nurture cooperation. To ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to fully participate in building our society. That no one is left behind.

But when it comes to addressing the real needs of a diverse community, there is no substitution for ensuring the voiceless are heard. Lasting results that make a meaningful difference require the active involvement of all the people affected.

So I salute you for taking the time – to build a broad network of partners; to consult with and engage community members; to seek the means of true collaboration.

And from the bottom of my heart, I wish you the greatest success.

Thank you.