Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, January 28, 2015

My wife, Sharon, and I are delighted to be here for a very special presentation of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

In November 1995, The Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc announced the creation of an award to honour Canadian volunteers—the unsung heroes of our communities.

The Caring Canadian Award recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smarter and more caring nation.

Each of you is here today for a simple reason: you care about the well-being of others, and you have acted on that feeling. The range of your activities is quite remarkable, but you share a desire to help others and to make your communities kinder, healthier places in which to live.

And you have done so consistently, over a sustained period of time, leading to your nomination for the Caring Canadian Award by those who know you best.

And so, on behalf of your communities—and indeed all Canadians, who have so much to offer—I am delighted to present to you the Caring Canadian Award.

Congratulations on receiving this honour; and thank you for all that you do for others.