Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 3, 2014

It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

The reception for outgoing heads of mission is one of our annual rites of spring here at Rideau Hall. Each of you is about to embark on an important new phase in your diplomatic career: representing Canada and Canadian interests on the world stage.  

It is a great responsibility, and it is one in which Canadians have accumulated considerable experience.

Diplomacy has been a fact of life in this land for centuries.

Traditionally, First Nations diplomacy has been symbolized by the wampum belt, a beaded, woven representation of the treaty or agreement being reached.

However, the newcomers who arrived here from Europe in the 17th century formed alliances using written, signed treaties, as was the custom in their countries of origin.

These two traditions came together in Canada to form a kind of hybrid diplomacy, one in which the oral and symbolic traditions of First Nations were blended with the formal, written approach of Europeans.

It was a genuine political innovation, and it is part of Canada’s unique diplomatic heritage—one to which each of you is heir.

I share this history with you because I think it is important that we, as Canadians, share the most distinct and valuable aspects of our country with the world.

My predecessor, John Buchan—who, in 1937, undertook the first full State visit by a governor general of Canada—strongly believed in the importance of celebrating what makes us unique as nations, even as we search for common ground.

He said:

“The strength of an alliance between two nations lies in the fact that they should be complementary to each other and each give to the other something new.”

In my view, Canada’s diversity and our commitment to working together are among our greatest strengths. Canada itself is an experiment in tolerance and co-operation, and current events serve as reminders of how necessary these qualities are in today’s complex, interconnected world.

The quality of our relationships is central to the success of everything we do, both here at home and internationally. That is why your duties as heads of mission are so important. You represent Canada abroad and you give us valuable insight into the host nations and regions in which you work.

And, I must say, you do a very good job of it!

I have made numerous State and official visits during my mandate, and I rely heavily on the knowledge and expertise of Canadian diplomats. These experiences have given me great confidence in the quality of Canada’s diplomatic representation abroad.   

As heads of mission, you help to set the tone for Canada’s relationship with the world, and I thank you for all that you do for our country.

I wish you and your families the very best in your new surroundings.

Safe travels, everyone!