Shippagan, New Brunswick, Monday, May 4, 2015
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I am delighted to be here on this impressive university campus in this wonderful part of Canada, home to many Acadians.
Let me therefore take this opportunity to extend greetings to the Acadian community, which makes this region so unique and contributes so much to Canada.
I am pleased to be here for so many reasons. One is to visit the home province of one of my predecessors, Roméo LeBlanc, who was also one of Acadia’s finest sons.
Among his many contributions to Canada is the Caring Canadian Award, which honours those unsung heroes who give so much of their time and energy to helping others.
In a moment, I’d like to welcome some caring Canadians onstage, but first let me say a few words about, this campus and this community.
I’m well aware of how closely all of you work and innovate together for the common good. It reminds me of my experience as a university president in Waterloo, where students, faculty and staff used to say: this university belongs to this community.
At the same time, the people of Waterloo would say: this community belongs to this university.
And the truth is that it’s both: the university and the community belong to each other. That spirit of partnership makes for a great place to live—a smart and caring place to live.
I’ve just had the opportunity to visit the Quai de Shippagan and to meet with lobster and crab fishermen, who gave me a glimpse into what makes this community tick. And I’m looking forward to learning more about the particular formula that exists for innovation and community building here in Shippagan.
In terms of innovation, you have achieved some remarkable success in such fields as research and development, health sciences, information management and sustainable development.
In fact, I’ll have the chance shortly to see some of your innovative thinking in action during my visit to the Laboratoire de Recherche en Interaction Humain-Système and the laboratoire de technologies d’identification radiofréquence.
It is fascinating to think of the applications of the work being done here, from software engineering to computer interface to the very way we interact with the world around us.
And it’s being done right here, at this university, with support from the community and from all sectors of society.
It’s community building of the highest order.
Make no mistake: what you are involved in here is the best kind of community building and nation building—that which puts people first. You are building a smarter, more caring Acadia and New Brunswick, and a better country for all of us.
The most vibrant communities, like the most successful countries, are those whose public institutions draw on the talents and contributions of all citizens, regardless of class, income or any other artificial distinction. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this area is also home to a wonderful Community Foundation that is giving back in so many ways.
We in Canada have enjoyed uncommon success in creating and strengthening public institutions that are inclusive. Our country has thrived because our institutions encourage people to participate and to put their talents and skills to best use.
This spirit of inclusiveness didn’t just happen. It took—and continues to take—clear vision, sharp focus and constant work of people like you.
This campus and this community have had real success in helping people to reach their full human promise. I salute you for that and I thank you.
Now let’s take a moment to recognize some caring Canadians who deserve our appreciation and respect for all they do.
Thank you.
