Nanaimo, British Columbia, Thursday, January 29, 2015

Sharon and I would like to thank you for conferring upon us these honorary doctorates of laws. It is a pleasure to be here with my wife, who has done so much for me, our family and our country. I am proud to be honoured alongside her today.

And we would like to congratulate all of you who are graduating today and who have worked so hard to get to this point.

We live in such a wonderful country, one where we are free to pursue our dreams. One where each of us has a voice.

When I was a university president, I used to tell graduates—as I will tell you now—to remember the silent partner whose contributions have made it possible for you to get the quality of education you have received.

I am referring today to the taxpayer—all Canadians whose contributions support quality education in their communities.

So as you’re going down the street and you see Mr. and Mrs. Everyone, give silent thanks to them for their indirect support, which has helped to make you the person you are.

The question now is: How can you give back to them, give back to your country? The answer? Vote. In every election: school board, municipal, regional, provincial, federal. Vote. Take a position on issues as your own contribution to the community.

After all, to build a better country, Canadians must take a vested interest in our country and its people by participating in our democracy.

Of course, the history of voter turnout, particularly in the last decade or so, has been abysmal. At or below 50 per cent in most elections.

There is cynicism. I recognize that. I know there are those who distrust those in charge at every level, and there are those who doubt that our democratic institutions can create positive change. Yet, there are also those who know, more and more, that they have the potential and the power to make their voices heard, to create a smarter, more caring nation.

It is those people who will be in a position to create change. Not simply change, but remarkable, outstanding, surprising, lasting, real change. Change that spurs our country and the world toward new realities and brighter horizons.

The idea, then, is to convince everyone to contribute, to make their voices heard.

And it is vital that we do so. We need to address many important issues, such as climate change, income disparity, equality of educational opportunity especially for Aboriginal people where this university has done so much, an aging population, globalization and the economy, alternative energy sources, and the responsible development of our natural resources. These are just a few of the challenges that need your attention and your participation.

Democracy, after all, is not just a word; it is a value, one that works hand in hand with the freedoms that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. And it is your responsibility to take part in our democracy, to champion it, to give back.

To say that you are responsible and that you can solve the woes that afflict our society may be a lot to put on your shoulders. But I do so because I know, from experience, that young people can handle it. You are resilient, creative and strong-willed. And you bring a fresh perspective wherever you go.

We ignore your opinions and ideas—and minimize your contributions—at our own peril.

Of course, there are many ways to participate. Run for office; join a school board or a political party; or volunteer in your community.

Perhaps you will take a different route by challenging our democratic institutions to do better; by writing letters to the editor or to your elected representatives; discussing issues; signing petitions; engaging in peaceful protest; or advocating for issues you are passionate about.

But the least, and the most, that you can do is vote.

I have had the enviable opportunity to travel across this nation and around the world, and I have found myself so thankful that we live in such a good country, with people who are working together to make this a smarter, more caring nation.

You have already begun your journey outside the university. I urge all of you to participate in our democracy and resolve to build a better country. And join me in combatting voter apathy and a lack of civic engagement among Canadians.

In the words of my predecessor, Lord Byng, “Be as big, with minds as large and souls as great as the land in which you live.”

It is now up to you. Use what you have learned here and continue to make Canada a place we can all be proud to call home.

Thank you.