Whitehorse, Yukon, Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Let me begin by saying how delighted we are to be back in Whitehorse and to be spending time in Canada’s north. Once again my wife, Sharon, and I have been welcomed magnificently by the people of the Yukon.

This is such a fascinating and important part of Canada, with such a rich heritage and, without a doubt, a bright future.

And the reason for that bright future is ultimately very simple: it’s because of the people who dedicate themselves to the betterment of this community, this territory and the entire North.

People like you, who may come from a variety of backgrounds and work in diverse spheres, but who share a commitment to this remarkable place.

As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I have been proud to observe the opening stages of Operation Nanook, which is such a vital exercise in northern emergency readiness.   

I am particularly impressed by the complexity of this exercise and by the high degree of collaboration taking place. I know that this year’s operation is the largest and most complex yet, bringing in new partners and involving a number of complicated scenarios.

To see our men and women in uniform working closely with members of all levels of government here in Yukon and across the North is to feel confident in our ability to deal with a crisis or emergency situation.

As you know, the challenge of emergency response in the North is considerable. That is why it is so important to come together to plan and prepare for all possibilities.

Sharon and I will never forget the time we witnessed disaster strike during one of our visits to the North, nor how vital was a quick response to those who need help.

You may recall the terrible plane crash that occurred near the community of Resolute, Nunavut on August 20, 2011, in which 12 people tragically died.

We were in Resolute when the plane went down, and I find it difficult to describe the sadness and devastation of that day. What is easier to recount is the incredible response by members of Joint Task Force North, who happened to be conducting training exercises nearby at the time.

The rapid response, professionalism and compassion of that response team were a great comfort to all who were affected by the disaster. Everyone who was in Resolute that day was grateful for their presence.

Here in Yukon, I would like to commend the municipal, territorial and federal governments as well as the Canadian Armed Forces for coming together to ensure your readiness.

And on a broader scale, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the spirit of collaboration right across our society. For example, I have just returned from a visit to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, where I witnessed some wonderful instances of partnership and co-operation between governments and citizens.

We are so much stronger when we work together, sharing expertise, resources and ideas.

We are so much better when we help each other and strive to make this a more caring, compassionate place.

In fact, I would like to end on this note, and take a moment to acknowledge the community work being done here in the Yukon and across Northern Canada.

Governors general, past and present, have been honoured to present awards, medals and decorations to Canadians from the North. I am pleased to announce that many of you will get the opportunity to share their stories, as well as those of other great Canadians, as “It’s an Honour” visits Whitehorse on August 29. This travelling honours exhibit showcases our Canadian Honours System, and those who embody the ideals of the many awards.

Right now, however, I would like to add to a growing list of Canadian honourees.

One of my great privileges as governor general is to present the Caring Canadian Award to those individuals who offer so much of themselves to others, without expectation of reward or recognition.

Here in the Yukon, we are privileged to be joined by such individuals. They have made even the harshest days in the North that much brighter by their actions. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude.

And my thanks as well to everyone in this room for what you do for each other, for the North and for Canada.

I wish you the very best.