August 25, 2007

How are you? What a magnificent evening!

I am delighted to join you tonight as we honour you, the residents of Saint-Michel and all of Montreal. It is good to be in Montreal.

The convivial atmosphere here tonight reflects the strong spirit of fraternity that is the backbone of your neighbourhood.

Through your efforts to help the less fortunate, your commitment to empower the voices of youth, and your dedication to promoting the arts, you remind us that solidarity and compassion can make the world a better place and help humanize humanity.

The notion of civic responsibility is the complete opposite of indifference, individualism, and an every-man-for-himself attitude, which only multiply solitudes and feed despair.

Every action counts. No matter the size or scale, every action is important.

But this spirit of solidarity and willingness to help one another is not unique to the residents of Saint-Michel. Over the last two days, I have felt this spirit in every dedicated person I have had the pleasure of meeting since I arrived in Montreal.

Yesterday, I spent over two hours talking with young inmates and former inmates involved in the Souverains Anonymes radio project at the Établissement de détention de Montreal.

This radio station brings us the voices of prisoners and former prisoners from behind prison walls.

We discussed their dreams, their aspirations, their strong desire to reintegrate into society, and the actions they were taking to make these dreams a reality.

I was touched by the glimmer of hope in their eyes and by their desire to turn their lives around. They confirmed my unwavering belief that it is never too late.

When given a second chance, people can transform difficult situations into opportunities for change and growth. And I have faith in their ability to take hold of that second chance. Nothing is ever over.

Earlier this afternoon, I also joined dozens of young Montrealers in Côte-des-Neiges from eight of the city’s neighbourhoods.

We discussed how they are using the urban arts as an effective tool to mobilize, speak out, improve their neighbourhoods, and reflect on the problem of street gangs and excluded youth, as well as those who have been made vulnerable.

I was captivated by their incredible work.

I was struck by their eagerness to get their message out, to be heard and to be a part of the solution.

I was stirred by their pledge to work together, to join efforts to find a way to live together more harmoniously.

These activities are in line with my efforts to find out what young people throughout Canada—including those from marginalized communities—are doing to improve their lives and the life of their communities.

And everywhere I have gone—to all of the big cities from Vancouver to Halifax, Calgary and Toronto, to small communities, all the way up to the Arctic and abroad, to Brazil, Haiti, South Africa, Mali, Ghana and Algeria—I have made it a priority to meet with young people. I have taken the time to really understand their perspective and the efforts they are making.

And I have been struck by how they use the arts as a vehicle for social action and transformation.

I find this same energy, this same boldness, right here at TOHU, where earlier this evening, I met representatives from several Saint-Michel youth organizations.

I was quite interested to hear about the efforts they are making to give voice to the opinions and solutions proposed by young people, and about their desire to protect the environment and enhance their neighbourhood.

I applaud you, the youth of Saint-Michel, for all of your efforts as citizens.

I love you and I’m proud to be here with you for La Falla, this spectacular annual celebration that has mobilized the entire neighbourhood.

Your choice of the environment as your theme is inspiring.

This is a very important issue and young people are playing a leading role in addressing its challenges.

Through its jars and jolts, nature reminds us that the mindset “every man for himself” is no longer viable. Nature is crying out that it is time to reinvent our connection with it and with each other.

That is why we are moved by the beautiful arch of the Falleros.

Yes, we are all in the same boat. We realize that we must make every effort to protect the bonds of solidarity that will ensure a more just and humane world.

When it comes to protecting the environment, every initiative makes a difference. And the more we work together, the better the results.

I will say it again: There is no place for the “every man for himself and his clan” mentality—that kind of thinking leads nowhere.

We must fight against indifference, selfishness and inward looking.

So as we prepare to celebrate the burning of the Falla, let us reaffirm our desire to work together for the well-being of the community.

And I would like to heartily commend the Falleros for their exemplary work and all the efforts they have put into this beautiful adventure.

Caleb, Cherestal, Dudley, James, Paul, Nerlande, Reginald, Sandra and Steeve . . . you did a terrific job.

I admire your creativity, which is matched only by the time you spent in developing this grand work.

Let us light the fire together, for that is the essence of La Falla: a celebration of the art of the ephemeral, but also of renewal.

I challenge you to rise again from the ashes.

Nothing is impossible.

Messi anpil, and let the festivities continue!

Thank you, Saint-Michel!