Québec, Quebec, Monday, September 11, 2017

What a privilege to be with all of you today at the historic Château Frontenac of Québec for this presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Since becoming governor general, I have met with many young recipients of this award, and I never fail to come away inspired.

This award recognizes the remarkable abilities of young people. It empowers you to discover hidden talents, to develop new potential, and to make a difference in your communities and in this country.

And I must say: you all have a sense of timing. To receive the Duke of Edinburgh Award in this, Canada’s 150th anniversary year, makes it even more special.

Before I congratulate you all, I would like to thank you and your peers for inspiring me throughout my mandate. Wherever we see young people, we also see hope and the desire for change. And more than that, we see that desire put into action. We see progress.

In Canada alone, hundreds of thousands of youth have been recognized with this honour—which means you are now part of a massive network of remarkable Canadians!

This is important, because as you well know, young people today are coming of age in challenging, transformative and exciting times.

Together you are a vital source of ideas, renewal and optimism for our society and our world. Your energy and contributions are essential to the smarter, more caring nation and the fairer and more just world we aspire to build.

As recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, you now have a new responsibility. You are ambassadors for this award and for Canada.

You have already done great things. Your continued efforts and leadership are critical to our future.

On behalf of all Canadians, I thank and congratulate you on your achievements.