Rideau Hall, Tuesday, February 17, 2015

What a pleasure and a privilege it is to welcome you to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

My predecessor, Vincent Massey, once titled a speech he gave to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada “A Layman Talks to Architects,” and I want to follow his lead this evening.

So let me call this speech “A Layman Talks to the Most Brilliant Scientists, Researchers and Engineers in Canada.”

Because that’s what you are.

Now, I may not be a specialist in devising chemical theories or computer models of the human brain.

Nor am I working to prevent isotope shortages in hospitals or developing one of the world’s most popular web browsers.

Nor am I researching a whole range of complex questions in the natural sciences and engineering, as you are. 

But, I do understand the importance of your work, and I am proud to share your stories with Canada and the world.

These awards are to say thank you for your efforts, and congratulations on your success.

And they are to encourage you to go further.

To keep exploring the frontiers of knowledge.

And to keep finding new ways to apply your discoveries for the benefit of all.

Let me emphasize that last point: for the benefit of all. 

I do so because, ultimately, knowledge knows no borders. You of all people understand this. Learning and new applications have a way of spreading around the world—and this is particularly true today.

And while these awards celebrate achievement in the natural sciences and engineering research in Canada, I have no doubt that your work is on par with—if not better than—work done around the world.

That’s why I think of these awards partly as an invitation to global recognition.

Fact: Canada underperforms when compared to many countries when it comes to winning international awards and prizes. Not because our research is lacking. Quite the opposite. But because we have to do a better job of ensuring that the world is aware of your efforts and those of your colleagues.

It is essential that we nominate our top researchers for international awards, and that we celebrate their achievements in Canada and abroad.

Why? Because, in a world where knowledge is a key resource, awards are important indicators of success.

And as you know, nothing attracts talent and resources like success.

NSERC, along with Canada’s other granting councils and learning and innovation partners— and I’m delighted that representatives from these organizations are with us this evening—has been a strong supporter of the “global excellence initiative,” as it is known.

This important initiative will help to ensure our best and brightest are nominated for prestigious international awards and prizes. 

I thank each of you for your support.

To our laureates, I encourage you to view this honour as a threshold moment, opening the door to even greater possibilities.

In today’s world, there is no such thing as learning in isolation. For science and engineering research to thrive in Canada, we need our leading lights to thrive on the international scene.

You are those leading lights.

Shine brightly, and congratulations once again on this well-deserved honour.

Thank you.