St. John's, Thursday, July 6, 2006
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
I would like to begin by thanking our hosts, their Honours the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Roberts, for their very kind hospitality, their thoughtfulness, and most especially the "friendliness" they have demonstrated since Jean-Daniel, Marie-Éden and I first arrived.
Indeed, "friendliness" has been a common theme in my conversations today, at the Confederation Building, at Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and of course this evening.
In all my travels, I have seldom met people as down-to-earth, relaxed and approachable as I have met here in Newfoundland.
Perhaps that attitude comes from the self-confidence of having survived and thrived for so long in such a demanding environment.
Newfoundland's environment has a way of reminding us constantly of its presence. And I'm not only talking about weather
today I heard a saying: "if you don't like the weather in Newfoundland don't worry; just wait five minutes and it'll change!"
Earlier today, when I was up on Signal Hill, I was struck by the fact that the natural landscape is a very tangible part of the cityscape of St. John's. The cliffs, the Narrows, the coast, the woods
they all assert their presence here in a way that sets this city apart from others I have visited.
Later, at Cape Spear, I was enchanted by the rugged beauty of the sea, and the pounding surf. Even from that safe distance, it is easy to see why we must respect Mother Nature.
The vastness of the Atlantic, with all its potential, its potency and its permanence, reminds us of how small humanity really is.
Along with that realization comes the recognition that we are all "in this together". I think that's something Newfoundlanders learned a long time ago.
The people of this province have a well-earned reputation for helping their neighbours, and pooling their resources so that you all move ahead together.
In that respect, I feel very much at home here.
In the next few days, Jean-Daniel and I look forward to talking to various groups about the challenges they face, and the approaches they have adopted to meet those challenges.
We look forward to sitting down with representatives of Newfoundland's Francophone community, who have managed to protect and nurture a French-speaking culture that dates back centuries.
We look forward to meeting with artists and budding filmmakers, and discussing their plans for fostering the development of Newfoundland and Labrador's unique culture.
And, of course, we very much look forward to meeting some of the citizens of Newfoundland, at a Garden Party tomorrow, and one in Corner Brook on Sunday, as well as at the events I will be attending throughout my visit.
But before these meetings, there is tonight's dinner with you, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to get to know each of you a little better.
And in that spirit, I would invite you to join me in raising our glasses. I'd like to propose a toast
to friends
those we have known for a lifetime, and the new ones we've just met. Each and every one of them enriches our lives.
To, you, my new friends in Newfoundland and Labrador.
