Rideau Hall, Wednesday, September 7, 2016

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Welcome, everybody, to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

This is the sixth year in a row that we’ve launched this campaign here, and once again, we’re pleased to play host.

If any of you have had a chance to stroll around the grounds at all, you may have noticed we’re doing some renovations!

It’s very exciting: the forecourt in front of the residence is being transformed ahead of next year’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

One project I’m particularly looking forward to is the renewal of the Fountain of Hope, which was built in the 1980s and named in honour of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.

The Fountain of Hope is a very significant symbol, not just for visitors to Rideau Hall but for all Canadians.

It’s a symbol of selflessness and of the remarkable feats we can achieve through hope and dogged determination.

Selflessness, hope and perseverance are qualities that resonate strongly with Canadians.

Canadians are people who believe in helping others and who want to put that belief into action.

That’s exactly what Terry Fox was doing when he asked Canadians for their support.  

And now, each of you will be asking federal employees for their support for countless good causes through this campaign.

The Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign is itself a bit of a marathon! It doesn’t take place over one or two days but rather months, and tens of thousands of your colleagues will be asked to give.

The remarkable success of this campaign is truly inspiring. Over the years, it has raised tens of millions of dollars for good causes from coast to coast to coast.

What an example to the country, and to the world, of the great generosity of Canadians!

But as we have seen, we must not take this generosity for granted. It has to be nurtured and worked for, and it has to be appreciated.

As volunteers and supporters on this campaign, this is one of your key tasks: not just to organize activities and canvass support, but to say thank you to those who give.

And that’s also what I want to say to all of you today: thank you for your hard work, your generosity and your dedication.

You are all part of something truly special, and I wish you the very best.

Thank you.