September 20, 2024

Check against delivery

Hello, 

Welcome to the Citadelle. Congratulations to all of you on receiving the King Charles the Third Coronation Medal.

First and foremost, we would like to thank the First Nations who have inhabited and occupied this territory for millennia, for welcoming us into their traditional territory.

It’s important that we recognize Indigenous lands, because one of our country’s greatest strengths is our diversity.

In Canada, we strive for equality. We welcome new ideas and perspectives.

Because we know that everyone has unique strengths and insights to offer.

The diversity of Canada is well represented in this room today.

Today, we are honouring recipients from several different regions across Canada.

You come from different cultural backgrounds.

You are leaders and experts in various fields.

And your exceptional contributions touch on issues that are particularly close to my heart.

Many of you are advancing the great work of reconciliation that is taking place in Canada.

In the room with us, we have journalists shedding light on Indigenous stories and languages.

We have Indigenous rights activists. We have Elders and knowledge keepers.

We have artists who provide our museums and public spaces with works that make bold statements about who they are.

I am so happy to see many Indigenous voices heard and valued in Canada right now.

I have just expressed in my mother tongue how happy I am to see many Indigenous voices heard and valued in Canada right now.

Other recipients are being honoured today for their contributions to improving mental health in Canada.

Mental health has a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life.

In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

I have met with many Canadians to talk about mental health, and to hear their stories.

Some have gone as far as saying that the help they received at their most vulnerable hour saved their life.

So, whether you have created peer support groups, or helped people struggling with addictions, or improved access to mental health services in remote or marginalized communities—thank you.

In the room with us, we also have recipients who are helping to tackle another pressing challenge we are facing: climate change.

From spearheading mitigation efforts, to analyzing climate governance, to advancing sustainable agriculture—your work is essential.

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

Finally, I want to congratulate all those of you working to build more inclusive communities across Canada.

• To those helping new Canadians find their footing in our society,

• to those helping people with special needs lead more autonomous lives,
• to those making specialized knowledge and information more accessible to all Canadians,
• and to those fighting social barriers in sports, education and all aspects of public life

… I thank you for giving hope to and empowering thousands of marginalized Canadians.

Distinguished guests, the diversity of talent and strengths in this room is truly remarkable.

I encourage you to continue making your voices heard. I also invite you to get to know other recipients at the reception today, and to share ideas.

By fostering true, inclusive dialogue with a variety of people, we expand our horizons and grow—and we build more understanding and unity in Canada.

Congratulations!