Rideau Hall, Friday, December 11, 2015

What a great day for Canada!

We’re gathered here at Rideau Hall for a very special occasion: the presentation of the Meritorious Service Decorations, Civil Division.

I know that many of you have travelled great distances to be here today. Thank you so much for coming, and welcome.

I’m delighted to be in the company of so many wonderful recipients!

I’ve read about your remarkable activities and deeds. I’m so grateful. And impressed. And inspired.

And filled with hope for Canada.

One thing I find intriguing is the sheer variety of your activities. You hail from Prince Edward Island to Prince George to Iqaluit—and your achievements are equally wide-ranging.

Which leads me to ask: coming from places so far-removed from each other and having such diverse interests, what unites you? What do all of you have in common?

I think the answer’s very simple: you’re all especially focussed and determined to make a difference. And together, you’re part of a community that is changing Canada for the better, one act at a time.

Northrop Frye once pointed out that each of us participates in society mainly through our imaginations. And this is particularly true in a country as vast and diverse as our own.

So what binds us as a society? What are the threads that make up our social fabric?

The kinds of activities and deeds you’re being recognized for today are what bind us. Caring and compassion, creativity and courage: those are the qualities that make this such a great place to live.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of your brand of leadership. It doesn’t mean being “the boss,” necessarily; rather, what it means is leading by example, demonstrating through action the things that matter.

And what is it, exactly, that matters?

On this you’ve spoken up loudly and clearly: our health and well-being matter; culture matters; justice matters; the environment matters; history matters; people matter.

I could go on.

To quote my predecessor, General Vanier:

“If Canada is to attain the greatness worthy of it, each of us must say, ‘I ask only to serve.’”

Thank you for helping Canada to move closer to that greatness, and congratulations on this well-deserved honour.