Rideau Hall, Thursday, October 7, 2010

Welcome to Rideau Hall! 

To be honest, it feels a bit odd to have me welcome you! After all, I’m still finding my way around this beautiful building while many of you have been frequent visitors here! Nevertheless, Sharon and I are now privileged to call this place home and we want you to know that you are always welcome here.

As you know, every winter, a small portion of the grounds is transformed into a skating rink and, as a former hockey player, I am thrilled.   We can thank former Governor General Dufferin for this wonderful addition to the grounds that young and old enjoy every winter. I am told that many of you have participated in some of our winter activities, so hopefully you will see Rideau Hall as a place where you feel at home, where dialogue takes place and friendships are made. We are honoured to have you here today!

As governor general, I know that I have much to learn from all of you. Each of you is a keen observer of the Canadian scene.  Each of you brings a unique perspective to bear, a fresh outlook on this country of Canada.  I value those insights. As the Scottish poet, Robbie Burns, said, “O would some Power the gift to give us

To see ourselves as others see us!”.

I look forward to hearing how “others see us” and to supporting initiatives that will promote a better understanding of Canada in the world.

Of course, as governor general, I build on a solid foundation. My predecessors have developed an excellent relationship with the Diplomatic Corps.

In particular, I will place great emphasis on dialogue with individual Heads of Mission and High Commissioners, not only when you arrive to present your credentials, but throughout your time here in Canada. I hope that this dialogue will be open, honest—and ongoing. Let us not restrict our interactions to formal occasions.

The Ottawa Diplomatic Association is an organization which is doing such outstanding work not only building relations among its members, but helping diplomats and their families integrate into the community.

Since its revival, in 1998, the Association has become a vigorous voice for mutual understanding—promoting friendships, building relationships with all levels of Canadian government and encouraging the exchange of information and ideas.

A few days ago, during my Installation Speech, I spoke about the kind of Canada I envisioned—a smart and caring Canada, built on three pillars: support for families and children; reinforcing learning and innovation and encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism.

I suspect that many of these same issues animate public discourse in your countries, as well. We all cherish our children. We all understand the importance of innovation and inventiveness in a knowledge economy. And we all realize the importance of giving back, of helping others, of leaving our world a little better than we found it.

So I know that these priorities are neither new nor novel. But I believe that in today’s interconnected world, they are more important than ever. After all, we live in a world where people, ideas and resources move around the globe at lightning speed; where a natural disaster or economic crisis or new disease quickly affects not only the country where it occurred, but the entire planet.

Technology may have connected continents, but now a larger challenge confronts us—connecting cultures. Finding ways to live side by side, from across the globe. Building a sense of community in a flat world.

And so, more than ever, we need to reach out to one another. To listen to one another. To learn from one another. And to appreciate all those things which unite us. Things like family. And ideas. And community.

This is something that each of you understands instinctively. Your positions allow you to travel the globe. Learn new languages. Experience different cultures. And grasp the common humanity that connects us all.

That unique perspective is vital in today’s world. For it encourages us to build bridges rather than barriers, to foster understanding instead of enmity and to seek connections, instead of conflict.

It is noble work. And I look forward to joining with all of you as we develop mutual understanding and respect in a world desperately in need of both.

Thank you again for your service—and for joining us here today at Rideau hall.