Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Sharon and I are so pleased to join you here today to open the Families in Canada Conference 2015, hosted by the Vanier Institute of the Family, and to help mark the 50th anniversary of the Institute.

What is family?

There’s no one definition of family—in fact, it’s constantly evolving­—nor is there one particular formula. Whatever their makeup, families remain of great importance to our society. That’s why I’ve made families and children one of the pillars of my mandate to build a smarter, more caring nation.

In fact, I’ll say again what I said during my installation speech in October 2010. I’m convinced, unequivocally, that families, no matter their background or make up, bring new and special patterns to our diverse Canadian tapestry. We are enriched by the presence of families in our communities and can find common ground through our familial bonds—support, caring and love.

Family is even embedded in our constitutional monarchy. I represent Her Majesty The Queen, who is a member of the Royal Family. And I serve alongside lieutenant governors and commissioners, who are all part of the viceregal family in Canada.

To put human faces on our system of government reminds us that people matter most of all.

That’s why what you do is so important. You are putting faces to the challenges we face.

My predecessor, Georges Vanier, and his wife, Pauline, knew the importance of family. During the opening of this conference in 1965, General Vanier laid out a vision for Canadian families of tomorrow. I quote: 

 “Without bemoaning the past, we can and we must direct our efforts in such a way that the family continues in the future to hold its unique place in society with its human values and ideals. It is for us to prepare for our children and grand-children a civilization more propitious to the spiritual development of man.”

You’ve gathered here—business, community, labour, government and youth leaders—to exchange and engage on the modern family.

Seeing you here is inspirational. It gives me hope. We can do better. We will do better. And it starts with strengthening our families—all families.

I encourage you to take this opportunity to envision what the role of family will be on your 100th anniversary, and what type of legacy you will leave your children and grandchildren.

I wish all of you a productive dialogue.

I would now like to invite Sharon to come and say a few words.