December 4, 2024

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Welcome to Rideau Hall.

Today, we gather on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe peoples. Land acknowledgements are a way to show respect to Indigenous peoples, who have taken care of these lands for thousands of years.

Over the course of your mandates, you will often hear about the reconciliation journey that is taking place in Canada.

Canadians are deepening their understanding of Indigenous peoples and acknowledging the effects of the past, while being more inclusive in the present. We invite you to become more knowledgeable about this process, too.

The knowledge of Indigenous peoples is already contributing to our response to today’s most pressing challenges, like climate change, for example.

Inuit communities in Northern Canada have been deeply affected by global warming. People are worried that traditional hunting and fishing ways will disappear.

I know we are not alone. Climate change is taking a toll on your communities as well.

Today I am pleased to welcome heads of mission from the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Kenya, Luxembourg and Gabon.

Congratulations on your new appointments!

The challenges facing the world can only be solved by all of us working together for the greater good. On climate action. On the use of natural resources. On regional and global peace and security, on humanitarian relief reaching vulnerable people.

So, let’s work together to build the greener, safer, more prosperous future that our children deserve.

Diplomacy works. Through conversations and relationships, we develop solutions that benefit everyone.

You must all be good listeners and innovative thinkers to have been called to this work!

I also want to thank your families for the sacrifices they have made to come here.

For those of you who have brought your children to live in Canada for the next few years, I am confident they will gain enriching experiences here. And they will make people-to-people connections that last a lifetime.

Canada is home to the world, with diaspora communities that make rich contributions to society, the economy and culture.

And our collective knowledge and connections feed into global solutions.

I know that the longstanding relationships between our countries provide fertile ground for trust and collaboration, as well as innovation.

So, welcome to the Canadian family!