August 25, 2007
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Dear friends,
How are you? What a magnificent evening!
I am delighted to join you tonight as we honour you, the residents of Saint-Michel and all of Montreal. It is good to be in Montreal.
The convivial atmosphere here tonight reflects the strong spirit of fraternity that is the backbone of your neighbourhood.
Through your efforts to help the least fortunate, your commitment to empower the voices of youth, or your dedication to promoting the arts, you remind us of how solidarity and compassion can make the world a better place.
Nor is this spirit of solidarity and willingness to help one another unique to the residents of Saint-Michel. Over the last two days, I have felt this spirit within all of those dedicated people I have had the pleasure of meeting since I arrived in Montreal.
Yesterday, I spent two hours talking with young inmates and former inmates involved in the Souverains Anonymes radio project at the Établissement de détention de Montreal.
You know this radio stationthe one that brings us the voices of prisoners and former prisoners from behind prison walls.
We discussed their dreams, their aspirations, and their strong desire to reintegrate into society.
I was touched by the glimmer of hope in their eyes and by their desire to turn their lives around. They confirmed my unwavering belief that it is never too late.
When given a second chance, people can transform difficult situations into opportunities for change and growth. And I have faith in their ability to take hold of that second chance.
Earlier this afternoon, I also joined dozens of young Montrealers in Côte-des-Neiges from eight of the city's neighbourhoods to discuss the ways they are using the urban arts as an effective tool to mobilize, speak out, reflect on the problem of street gangs and improve their neighbourhoods.
I was captivated by their incredible work.
I was struck by their eagerness to get their message out and to be heard.
I was stirred by their pledge to work together towards living together more harmoniously.
This activity is in line with my efforts to find out what young people throughout Canada, including those from marginalized communities, are doing to improve their lives and the life of their communities.
And everywhere I have goneall of the big cities from Vancouver to Halifax, Calgary and Toronto, to small communities and up to the Arctic, and even abroad, to Brazil, Haiti, South Africa, Mali, Ghana and AlgeriaI have made it a priority to meet with young people.
And I have been struck by how they use the arts as a vehicle for social action and transformation.
I find this same energy, this same boldness, right here at TOHU, where earlier this evening, I met representatives of several Saint-Michel youth organizations.
They spoke to me about their fascinating efforts to give voice to the opinions and solutions proposed by young people and they shared their concern for protecting the environment and enhancing their neighbourhood.
I applaud you, the youth of Saint-Michel, for all of your efforts as citizens.
I love you and I'm proud to be here with you for La Falla, this spectacular annual celebration that has mobilized the entire neighbourhood.
Your choice of the environment as your theme is inspiring.
This is a critical issue and young people are playing a leading role in addressing its challenges.
Through its jars and jolts, nature reminds us that the mindset "every man for himself" is no longer viable. Nature is crying out that it is time to reinvent our connection with it and with each other.
That is why we are moved by the tale of Noémie and the beautiful arch of the Falleros.
Yes, we are all in the same boat. We realize that we must at all costs protect the bonds of solidarity that will ensure a more just and humane world.
When it comes to protecting the environment, every act helps. And the more we work together, the better the results.
There is no place for the "every man for himself and his clan" mentalitythat kind of thinking leads nowhere.
We must fight against indifference and selfishness.
So as we prepare to celebrate the burning of the Falla, let us reaffirm our desire to work together for the betterment of the community.
And I would like to heartily commend the Falleros for their exemplary work.
Caleb, Cherestal, Dudley, James, Paul, Nerlande, Reginald, Sandra and Steeve... you did a terrific job.
I admire your creativity, which is matched only by the time spent in developing this grand work.
Let us light the fire together, for that is the essence of La Falla: a celebration of the art of the ephemeral, but also of renewal.
One can always rise again from one's ashes.
Nothing is impossible.
Messi anpil, and let the festivities continue!
Thank you, Saint-Michel!
