Rideau Hall, Thursday, May 25, 2017

I acknowledge that we are gathering today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples.

Welcome, all of you, to Rideau Hall.

Today, we invest into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces those who demonstrate excellence as they protect and serve Canadians.

The insignia you’re about to receive has a number of meanings.

It means you have provided exceptional service or served with distinctive merit.

It means you are leaders within your respective police forces.

It means you have made great contributions to community development.

And it means you have earned a level of trust, which is critical to good policing.

Of course, trust isn’t built overnight. It takes a great deal of hard work, patience, thoughtfulness and dedication. Years are spent, careers even, in creating those bonds of trust within your communities.

You have succeeded by being smart and also by caring for your communities and the people you serve. We are all the beneficiaries.

The caring you demonstrate is essential to the provision of security. A virtuous circle results when trust and consideration exists between communities and police forces. One reinforces the other.

All of you have proven this dynamic and have shown yourselves to represent the best our police services have to offer.

I know it’s not an easy job.

You face dangerous and challenging situations, often in the public eye.

Through it all, you set a positive example for others and show great professionalism.

In fact, you also have very important roles as mentors within your respective organizations. Those at the beginning of their careers in law enforcement can learn a lot from you.

Never underestimate your ability to inspire and influence others through your actions.

As leaders in the community and now as members of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces you have a responsibility to uphold the standards you demonstrate time and again.

After all, where great policing exists, great communities exist, and a great country exists.

I am grateful for all that you do, and I am also grateful to your families, who have supported you and who make sacrifices so that you may serve us all.

Thank you for what you do for Canada, and congratulations on receiving this well-deserved honour.