Presentation of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian
Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Moncton, Friday, August 14, 2009

I am delighted that we are able to hold these two ceremonies simultaneously to recognize extraordinary women and men from every generation.

Sitting alongside you today are individuals who took action to alleviate distress, to help others or to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.

These individuals live here, in New Brunswick, and what they do is priceless.

Ms. Suzanne Dugas, of Beresford, you have helped many immigrants to build a new life here and become a part of the community. For that, I thank you.

Ms. Anita Dugas Cormier, of Caraquet, you dedicate your life to meeting the needs of others, be they women, youth or seniors. For that, I thank you.

Mr. Paul R. Hanson, of Northampton, you have committed yourself to veterans and have helped the Salvation Army to reach out to those most in need. For that, I thank you.

Ms. Audrey M. Hicks, of Sackville, you have helped young girls in your region thrive as part of the Girl Guide movement and have improved the lives of your fellow citizens in many different ways. For that, I thank you.

Mr. Roméo LaFrance, of Grand Falls, you are a recognized leader in your community and someone who enthusiastically supports a number of causes. For that, I thank you.

Sister Gilberte McGrath, of Saint-Quentin, you have rekindled hope in the hearts of those in your community, have brought comfort to those who are suffering, and give freely of your time and efforts. For that, I thank you.

Actions like these forge the chains of solidarity in our neighbourhoods, our communities, our cities, and right across our country and the world.

The individuals we are honouring today remind us that there are other ways to live in society. Ways that are more fraternal, more just and more human.

And it is with joy—and, I would add, with great emotion—that I pay tribute to them today, right here, in the region where the creator of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, my predecessor the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, was born and raised.

Roméo LeBlanc, to whom we bade a final farewell a few weeks ago, in the small church in the village of Memramcook where he was born, referred to all those who do so much to improve the lives of others while asking nothing for themselves as “unsung heroes.” And he wanted to recognize the efforts of all those dedicated volunteers.

At the very first ceremony for the presentation of the Caring Canadian Award, the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc said that “[i]t is time to give something back to the givers.”

That continues to be our goal today.

My friends, you are shining examples of commitment for all of us and for future generations, who are following in your footsteps.

Look at all of the young people here today. They have achieved extraordinary things. These youth are our beacons of hope.

Each one of them has taken part in a very demanding program.

Each one of them has made a commitment to give of their time to accomplish the goals they have set for themselves in several areas, notably community service.

It is not a contest, but rather a challenge. A challenge that youth issue to themselves. It is an opportunity for them to learn about themselves and to see what they are capable of.

His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, founded this award in 1956.

He wanted to encourage you, our young people, to go after your dreams and push yourselves just that little bit further.

I share his conviction that we need to give you the power and desire to achieve your full potential.

I see you hard at work here in Canada and around the world. I recently met with a group of young Acadians who had come together to talk about leadership, civic responsibility and the future of their culture, language and community.

Your commitment to building a better, more just society, your global consciousness as you put forward solutions to today’s challenges, your willingness to take action and your compassion have touched me deeply.

I believe in you and in your potential.

I believe that you, our youth, are the lifeblood of this country, not just for what you can do to shape the future, but because of what you are doing here and now to shape the present.

Each of you who is receiving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award has set ambitious personal goals.

You have put in the time and effort needed to achieve those goals.

And you have succeeded.

Of course, your parents and the Programme leaders were there to support you, and that deserves to be mentioned.

But it took determination, perseverance, imagination and a keen sense of responsibility on your part to succeed.

You deserve all of the credit, and you should be proud of yourselves.

Your next challenges will be to move forward with the certainty that you have what it takes to reach the highest peaks. Dare to dream big.

Those of you whom we are honouring here today, young and young at heart, make the rest of us want to do better and inspire us to make a difference, too.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.