Ottawa, Friday, June 20, 2008

Your presentations have been illuminating, often very moving, surprising, always passionate.

I enjoy these enriching debates about ideas that bring out new perspectives and bold new ways of thinking about the world. I love it! I am proud of you. You are the difference. You are the hope of a new paradigm. You have the courage it takes.

I was delighted to see over the past two days that the notions of civic responsibility and public good were an important part of your reports and discussions.

Because these notions have always guided my thoughts and actions.

I do not believe that civic responsibility and public good can be separated from the exercise of our citizenship and leadership.

We have the power and the duty to create a society in which we can all thrive and prosper.

To deplore something and do nothing to change it is to step on the gas and the brake at the same time, convinced somehow that this will get you where you need to go.

It is to deny our responsibility—yes, responsibility—to have a positive impact on the world around us.

It is to hand your power over to someone else, to succumb to defeatism, indifference, and the “every man for himself” mentality.

And there is nothing worse than that. Nothing worse than passiveness.

But it is encouraging to see—and I know you have seen it for yourselves—that everyday people are working hard to make a difference right across this country.

In every city and village, from coast to coast to coast, you have met engaged, visionary, energetic, dedicated Canadians.

The ordinary people who are rarely in the media spotlight but who are doing extraordinary things.

Young people brimming with inspired ideas to end exclusion, violence and crime in their neighbourhoods.

Volunteers who shoulder their communities.

Women helping women to break the cycle of violence and regain their dignity.

Business people who want to make a responsible contribution to the common good.

These are the people who are making a difference.

They are leaders within their families, their social circles, their businesses, their communities.

And as I said in Banff, they are the backbone of our society.

Without them, our country would crumble.

As I have already told you, it was no accident that I chose the theme of “Leadership and Communities.”

I wanted this conference to tap into the citizen in each of you.

Because engaged citizens think about the issues facing the world.

They allow themselves to be affected by, touched by all that they see and hear.

They are not afraid to rethink preconceived ideas and take a closer look at themselves.

They consider the human side of everything they say and do.

Why?

So that the next generation of leaders can shape the future of this country with vision.

With empathy.

With creativity.

With daring.

And I am delighted to see that this is exactly what has happened.

With you at the helm, Canada will go far.

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this adventure. I hope that this experience will have a positive impact on the rest of your lives.

It was also a journey within that, I hope, has both transformed and invigorated you.

Know that you have invigorated me. You have inspired me. You have validated a lot of my thoughts, actions and initiatives. You have made my motto Briser les solitudes, “breaking down solitudes,” go from words to actions. There are many solitudes around us. All we need to do is open our eyes, our hearts, our minds, break the barrier of indifference and apathy and act. Keep the promise that “you will,” that “you commit.” Use your power of influence. Dare to take that risk.

That journey that would not have been possible without the hard work and vision of Rick George. He used his network and influence.

Without your contribution—over two years of personal involvement—and without the dedication of Ian Anderson and his team, we could not have accomplished all that we have. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you also to the military personnel, who lent logistical support to the teams. As commander-in-chief, you made me proud.

This is not goodbye, but rather, see you soon.

For soon enough, we will be hearing about you and the difference you are making in Canada and in the world.

And so, until we meet again!

I think it would be worth sharing your thoughts about this experience with others in the country. On the GG’s website, www.gg.ca, we have created a new link, called Citizens Voices / À l’écoute des citoyens. Please go take a look and use it as a tool to continue connecting with the rest of the country, a tool for networking, for discussions, mentorships, dialogues, forums, blogs and chats.

We can also keep in touch this way. I do blog quite regularly, on the road, and I chat from time to time. Let’s keep the relationship going. Let’s follow up.

You are truly exceptional leaders.