Rideau Hall, Monday, February 8, 2016

Last fall, one year after the events of October 22, 2014, many of us gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We gathered to remember, to grieve and to continue to heal.

On that solemn anniversary, I spoke of the enormous debt we owe to everyone who pulled together with such bravery and humanity on that terrible day.

Which is to say, I spoke of the debt we owe to you, the security services members who served us so admirably on Parliament Hill.

Today, we’re here not just to remember, to grieve, and to continue healing, but to show our gratitude for your courage and humanity.

It was said that Ottawa came to a standstill on October 22nd.

And it’s true, people kept off the streets.

Businesses closed their doors.

Schools went into lockdown.

But not everyone came to a standstill.

You didn’t come to a standstill.

In fact, you did just the opposite—you ran towards the danger, and you helped people in need.

Your actions that day were exemplary. You reminded us that with our rights and freedoms, come responsibilities.

Responsibilities toward each other and to the country we have built together.

And that, in significant part, is why we recognize you today.

This ceremony isn’t about creating heroes, or glorifying our security services, or exaggerating your achievements on that day.

After all, I’m sure you would be the first to say you were just doing your jobs.

None of you asked to be decorated with stars of courage or medals of bravery—indeed, being good Canadians, it probably makes you more than a little uncomfortable!

Why then are we here?

We’re here because on a day of great tragedy and suffering you gave us something different. You reminded us that, while human beings are indeed capable of doing the worst to each other, we’re also capable of the best.

We’re capable of compassion, of bravery and of selflessness.

We’re capable of acting without regard for our own safety when the safety of others is at stake.

On a very dark day, you reminded us of those very important truths.

These decorations for bravery and courage are to say: these are the truths we aspire to as Canadians, these truths we hold dear.

And these decorations also say: we will always remember what you gave us on that day.

You gave us a sense of hope. You helped to stabilize a dangerous situation, and to bring an end to the terrible violence.

Our Parliament, which you guard every day as security services members, is at the core of this country’s meaning and function.

It’s the symbol and the seat of our democracy. It’s a place of spirited debate and dialogue. It’s where representatives from every part of this country gather to solve problems and to build Canada peacefully. 

Not far from here on the grounds of Rideau Hall, there’s a beautiful fountain we call ‘the Unity Pool’. It represents all we have in common as Canadians. And looking up from this fountain to the west, you can see the Peace Tower in the distance through the treetops.

That tower literally stands for peace—as do you, day after day.

You and your colleagues protect Canadians, our parliamentarians and our visitors on the Hill, and you do so quietly, without fanfare or recognition.

Today, we offer you our profound thanks for protecting us in our moment of need.

Thank you for being here today. Thank you for your bravery and courage.

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This ceremony was a very emotional and powerful moment for you, for me, for our country. As I presented you with your decoration, I saw in each of you the qualities that make fine security personnel, and more than that, fine Canadians. Your actions kept us safe and preserved the integrity of our public spaces.

Looking forward, I hope that you wear your new insignia with pride. I hope others will see that insignia and follow your lead in making this country a better place to live.

I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the other security services members on duty that day and everyone who works tirelessly on the Hill. While you may have been in direct contact with the shooter, you did so knowing that your team members were backing you up and securing other areas.

Finally, let me thank your families, who offer constant support for what you do, even though you may put yourself in danger. Without them, we could not be as strong.

I hope today was as much about healing for you as it was about recognition of your actions.

Canadians are people of peace, of respect, of tolerance, of kindness, of honour. We can keep alive these qualities in our national conscience because we know they are precious, because you stood up for what we believe in.

On October 22, 2014, you acted with bravery. Today, we say thank you.