Beaconsfield, Quebec, Wednesday, October 15, 2014

It is a pleasure to join you here today.

All of you are making important contributions to this community. The people of Beaconsfield are fortunate to have you as friends, neighbours and representatives.

I often speak of the desire, which all of us share, to create a smarter, more caring Canada. To create such a country, we need people willing to answer the call to service.

Fortunately for this community and for Canada, you have stepped up.

As proud citizens of Beaconsfield, you know you have a responsibility to get involved and to help out. You realize how fortunate you are to live here, what a wonderful city it is, and you want to make it even better.

And you have done just that.

For proof, consider the example of the new Heroes Park. Many of you in this room were part of the effort to create this monument to service and to selflessness, and I would like to commend you for your efforts.

You have shown what is possible when various community groups come together in common cause. This kind of collaboration is the key to building a smarter, more caring Canada.

Your willingness to work together and pool resources also sets a wonderful example for others to follow. These are the success stories I carry with me and share as I cross the country.

When I think of the challenges we face as a society, I am glad to know places like Beaconsfield exist where people are keen to work together and take action.

You know that when we give of ourselves, whether through time, talent or resources, we become part of something larger. We are creating something that is more than the sum of its parts.

Often we also gain valuable skills and experience, and our spirits are uplifted by the results we can achieve. And while I know you help out without expectation of recognition, I would like to commend all of you on your efforts.

I look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments, and what your plans are for this community, this province, this country.

Thank you.