Montréal, Quebec, Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

Welcome to this presentation of Canadian honours in this very special place.

Thank you all for being here.

The Meritorious Service Decorations and the Medal for Volunteers are among Canada’s highest honours. They recognize exceptional deeds and extraordinary caring.

We couldn’t have more deserving recipients than those being recognized today.

We’ve borrowed them for a day from their busy lives and responsibilities to honour them, and to celebrate their efforts.

It’s very important that we do so. Why?

Because it’s important to say thank you on behalf of all Canadians, and because we want to highlight their examples for others to follow.

We want to create a country where everyone does what they can to help others.

And what better venue to celebrate and encourage that kind of country than the P.K. Subban Atrium here at the Montreal Children’s Hospital?

We always knew Mr. Subban was a star on the ice, but now he has entered a whole new arena of superstardom. His generosity to this hospital and his compassion for those in need are simply extraordinary.

Also, I’m sure that P.K. has a big collection of hockey medals, so I’m delighted to have the chance to give him a medal he doesn’t have yet!

It’s called the Meritorious Service Cross, and it’s awarded in recognition of truly exceptional deeds. His support of children and families is certainly that. 

It’s also a great privilege to present the Medal for Volunteers to a number of very deserving members of this community.

Each recipient is making this city, this country, this world a better place—one person at a time, one kind and caring act at a time.

They’ve given so much of themselves, of their time and energy and resources to others. They do so quietly, without fanfare, but today, we want to pause and say thank you.

Together, you are all philanthropists in the truest sense of the word: you share a love for humanity. You make a real difference in peoples’ lives, and your example is so inspiring.

This year, we celebrate three great occasions: Canada’s 150th birthday year, the 375th birthday of the great city of Montréal.

And the third occasion? Why, the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup, of course!

Together, you have given such meaningful, lasting birthday gifts to this community and to Canada. Perhaps we’ll be rewarded with a Stanley Cup playoff between Montréal and Nashville?

Now wouldn’t that be a final to remember?!

It’s wonderful to be here in your presence today for this great occasion.

Thank you all for your compassion, for your excellence, for your sacrifices.

I wish you all the very best. Keep up the good work!