The Citadelle, Wednesday, March 25, 2015

I’m pleased to welcome you to the Citadelle for this celebration of compassion and caring.

It is one of the true highlights of my calendar.

I feel privileged to have the opportunity to meet and to recognize people who give so much to their communities.

People like you, our most caring Canadians.

I am so inspired by your stories.

Each of you has given generously of your time and your talents. You have done so for many years—years that have helped to transform your communities and to improve the quality of peoples’ lives.

This award is a token of gratitude for the countless hours you have given to good and worthy causes.

This award is to say “thank you” for the impact you are having on others.

This award is to encourage all Canadians to follow your example.

One of the wonderful things about the Caring Canadian Award is the nomination process that led to your being here today.

As you know, recipients of this award are nominated from within their communities. This is truly a grassroots honour. Each of you was named as deserving by someone who knows your work and how much you have given.

Can there be a greater honour than to be recognized by one’s community and by one’s country at the same time?

You are most deserving, and I thank you for your efforts.

I would also like to make a request: that you consider nominating someone who is equally deserving of this award.

So let’s make sure all of our unsung volunteers know how enormously grateful we are.

My sincere congratulations to today’s recipients.

Thank you.