Rideau Hall, Saturday, May 14, 2016

I’d like to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. You’re all here because you share something in common: a dedication to the Canadian Armed Forces and to exemplary leadership.

To me, one aspect of good leadership is the realization of total dependence on the people around you. That is especially true in the Forces, where you trust your fellow soldiers to complete the mission, to protect each other and to come home safe.

In your new role, you’ll be called upon to make decisions, for the good of those under your command, for the good of the regiment as a whole and for the good of the country.

It’s a responsibility that takes the word “me” out of the equation and substitutes “we.”

You have the tools to do so.

You’ve spent your career demonstrating the qualities that make our military the envy of the world.

And that, by the way, is not hyperbole. I’ve seen it first-hand wherever I’ve gone.

The respect you command across Canada and around the world is impressive. I’m frequently confronted by Canadians, by foreign military leaders and heads of State who commend what you do and how you do it.

I’ve known our men and women in uniform to be brave and compassionate; innovative and humble; dutiful and professional.

With your promotion, you assume more responsibility not only for defending our values, but also for helping to define those values we show to the world.

I know you’re up to the task.

Perhaps most importantly, you have surrounded yourself with a strong support system, be it family, friends or the soldier sitting next to you.

As you assume your new rank and embark on a new journey in your military career, consider all you’ve done to get here and everyone who helped you along the way.

Now is the time to pass on your knowledge to others. Now is the time to build the Canadian Armed Forces for the next generation.

Now is the time to move from me to we.

Congratulations on these well-deserved promotions, and thank you for your service.