Rideau Hall, Thursday October 18, 2007
We are an interconnected society.
Gone are the days in which life in a small town defined a person's outlook on the world.
Advances in information technologies have brought the young b-girl in Iqaluit a mere instant message away from her counterpart in Vancouver.
Our horizons have expanded incommensurably, as has our ability to communicate with one another from one end of the country to the other.
Barriers that once stood between us have dissolved and, in their place, lie new friendships that would have been unimaginable just fifty years ago.
Yes, these changes are exciting, but we should not mistake fibre optic connectivity for social harmony.
For many problems remain. Problems that I would like to discuss with you today because I often wonder:
How can we rekindle a spirit of global solidarity when we live in a world in which the attitude of "everyone for himself," or what some of you call the "bling bling mentality," is so ingrained?
How can we inspire a desire to embrace our neighbour when we live in a world in which more and more ethnic and religious diversity has led many to retreat behind rigid identities and traditions?
How can we do much more to protect our planet when we live in a world in which many stand by idly as our delicate ecosystems are being destroyed?
How can young people help create a world in which a culture of compassion, fraternity and peace prevails when youth voices are rarely taken seriously when decisions are made?
As a mother of an eight year-old girl named Marie-Éden, I watch with great concern as more and more people feel powerless in the face of social exclusion and indifference.
It is one of the great tragedies of our time, as this sense of vulnerability and distress is eroding the convictions and the passion that are so necessary to change the world.
My motto "breaking down solitudes" speaks to a vision of the world in which women and men, young and young-at-heart, work together to build a society in which we can all be proud. And I believe that you, the young people of this country, have a key role to play in this regard.
You bring solutions to the issue of living together.
You embrace diversity and togetherness.
You care about our environment.
And if you want your voices to be heard, it is because you know that you have a lot to contribute.
Over the last two years of my mandate, I have been touched by all the committed young people I have met across the country who are joining efforts and making a difference in their neighbourhoods, communities, and cities.
During four exciting urban arts forums in Calgary, Toronto, Winnipeg and Montreal, I learnt how youth are working with so many others to combat crime and indifference through film animation, documentary videos, poetry, rap, graffiti, and other art media. And I saw that it works.
During my visit to a prison in Montreal, l'Établissement de détention de Montréal, I saw how young inmates are running a community radio program called Souverains anonymes that teaches them civic responsibility while allowing them to reach the outside world.
In the Northwest Territories, I met with young members of the Dene Nation who are working hard to preserve their ancient traditions and sensitize Canadians to the importance of preserving the ecological integrity of the Nahanni National Park Reserve.
Wherever I have been, the messages have been the same, and I quote: "We want better for ourselves, and we want better for those who will come after us."
As a young Brazilian told me during my State visit to Brazil, "solidarity is a responsibility."
You are leaders in your own right, and I draw great inspiration from your determination. Yet I am also uneasy.
For too few Canadians are hearing your message of hope and determination.
Too few Canadians are aware of your efforts to bring social change to your communities and neighbourhoods.
Too many Canadians equate youth with the images of violence and delinquency paraded across their television screens.
I find this situation very unsettling.
That is why I want the institution of the governor general to be a space in which youth voices resound throughout the country, a space in which all Canadians can be inspired by your aspirations, and a space in which you can join your efforts, gather your ideas, and dream of a better world.
So the opportunity given by the National Capital Commission, on the 150th anniversary of the choice of Ottawa as our Capital, is so important.
It is allowing you to use your creativity for the common good, to express your ideas on key issues confronting Canadians, and to create new networks with people from across the country.
I am overjoyed that you decided to share this precious moment with me here at Rideau Hall.
And, I cannot wait to watch your video production, listen to what you have to say, and hear how you plan to share your work with Canadians across our country.
I also hope the dialogue we have initiated this morning will continue long after this forum is over. In fact, I have created a special online forum on Citizen Voices to allow other Canadians to join our discussion.
Please spread the word. Let's stay interconnected! For you have so much to say and we have so much to learn from your work.
Thank you.
