Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, September 19, 2014

It is an honour to be here for the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Before I begin my remarks, I would like to share with you a special message from Her Majesty The Queen, who visited this site four years ago, when construction was just beginning.

“On the occasion of the official opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Prince Philip joins me in extending our sincere best wishes.

May the corner stone taken from the meadows of Runnymede and presented to the Museum during our visit to Manitoba in 2010, continue to symbolize the importance of human rights in our society.” Signed, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

It was in Runnymede that the Magna Carta—one of the most significant and foundational documents of any age—was signed in 1215. It represents many of our most cherished values, and was an evolutionary step towards today’s systems of laws, governance and, most importantly, human rights.

I am truly pleased that the Magna Carta, which is already connected to Runnymede and to the Crown, will forever be connected to this museum as well.

Canadians are fortunate to live in a country of such remarkable tolerance and peace. People have come here from all around the world to build better lives for themselves and for their families.

Canadians respect each other’s traditions and our religious differences. We strive to understand one another and we work together.

Our belief in the universality of human rights is espoused in our communities and in our laws. Consider the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, for example. The word “right” appears over 50 times. The word “every”—every citizen, every individual, everyone—appears more than a dozen times. Every Canadian has fundamental rights and, as a nation, we have enshrined them and held them up for the world to see.

In fact, Canadians are known internationally as defenders and champions of human rights. We say to the world: Yes, we can build a multicultural society in which every person—man, woman and child—is equal.

I am proud to live in a country that promotes equality. It is part of what makes Canada so special.

But sadly, we have not always lived up to this ideal, and it is a reality we need to face with courage and resolve. 

Alongside all the examples of tolerance, there are still far too many incidents of a different sort—incidents of bigotry, and isolation, and marginalization.

At a time when ignorance, hatred and oppression remain far too prevalent in the world, this museum is especially important. 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights tells the story of Canada’s struggle for human rights. It is our story, a story of different peoples coming together to build a nation. It includes the stories of Aboriginal peoples, and what they taught us about their concepts of rights and responsibilities based on the interconnectivity of us all, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

But each of the museum’s exhibits is also a reminder: our duty is never done. The fear and ignorance behind human rights abuses cannot be easily defeated or erased.

We must not be complacent.

We can and must defend human rights at every opportunity. We must be willing to engage in dialogue, to learn, and to stand up for what is right and good. That will be this museum’s role in our society: it will help us in our continuous struggle to defend human rights.

I have already seen some of the exhibits, and I must say, they are as inspiring as they are impressive. I invite all Canadians to visit this museum; to feel proud of living in this country; to rediscover the basic rights that need protection; and to find out what must still be done to strengthen human rights in our communities, in our country and around the world.

I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has helped to make this museum a reality. It is certainly a welcome addition to Canada’s national heritage.

Thank you.