February 20, 2025

Check against delivery

We are gathered today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, which has taken care of this land for thousands of years.

Welcome to Rideau Hall for this presentation of the King Charles the Third Coronation Medal.

This Medal recognizes Canadians from diverse horizons. 

Today, we are honouring recipients from several regions.

From Victoria, British Columbia, to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador to New Minas, Nova Scotia.

You are from different cultural backgrounds. You work in various fields.

And your diverse contributions speak volumes about who we are as a nation.

We are innovative. We bring people together. We are working to make Canada an inclusive place where everyone is respected and has a sense of belonging.

Because we know that, just like in hockey, life is better when we stick together.

Many of you are helping to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Here in this room, we have educators, knowledge keepers, artists and academics who work to preserve Indigenous cultures and languages.

Some of you work to address urgent needs in Indigenous communities. Healthcare. Drinking water. A healthy environment.

This is important work.

You are building bridges in our society so that we can all join forces to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Other recipients among you are working to tackle a pressing challenge we are all facing: climate change.

From protecting biodiversity and supporting scientific research on oceans, to fostering sustainable agriculture—your work is essential.

You contribute to protecting our planet, and to building the sustainable future that our children deserve.  

I also want to thank those who make education more accessible to youth, particularly in remote areas.

I also want to thank all professionals and volunteers working to make mental health, health care and social services more accessible to all Canadians.

Your expertise and commitment to caring for others are truly invaluable to our society.

Finally, I want to congratulate all of you building a more inclusive society.

• To those helping people with special needs lead more autonomous lives,
• to those championing inclusive growth in business,
• and to those fighting racism and other social barriers in all aspects of public life …

… I thank you for building more inclusive, peaceful communities in Canada.

Dear recipients, this medal is an invitation to continue striving for excellence.

Canada has a vital role to play in fostering a more peaceful, connected and understanding world.

I invite you to keep striving for excellence and to inspire others to build on our shared values.

Congratulations!