Winnipeg, Thursday, October 20, 2011
I am delighted be here today for this presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
During the past year, it has been my privilege to meet hundreds of young recipients of these awards in cities across Canada. Hearing of their achievements and dreams has inspired me as governor general and reminded me that the country we seek is a goal, not a given.
Wherever we see young people, we also see hope and the desire to change things for the better. And in fact, you are already making an impact on our country. That is why you are here today.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a wonderful tribute to the dreams and achievements of youth. Young people know as well as anyone that we are living in transformative times, marked by globalization, technological change and shifting demographics. In this new era, we must work together, and we must aspire to be innovative and bold.
The youth of this country are a vital source of ideas and renewal for our society. We are all counting on the ingenuity, compassion and energy of young people to find solutions for the future. Seeing you here today and hearing of your accomplishments, I know that our confidence is well-placed.
In 2017, we Canadians will celebrate our 150th anniversary as a nation, and I want to invite you to imagine the kind of country you want to live in as we approach this milestone.
Our unique Confederation was the result of years of careful planning and consideration of the true nature of our society, as well as an opportunity for our forebears to dream of the future.
Similarly, I think that our approaching 150th birthday is a perfect occasion to imagine and to plan for the future.
One thing is certain: your energy and contributions are essential to the smarter, more caring nation to which we aspire.
On behalf of all Canadians, I thank and congratulate you on your achievements. I look forward to following your bright future.
Thank you.
