Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
Speech on the Occasion of the Inaugural Presentation of the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal
Rideau Hall, Friday, May 12, 2006
There are many elements that make Canada great—like its rich cultural diversity, its linguistic duality, and the strong sense of community that binds people together.
However, there are three in particular that I would like to highlight today, and they are our country’s unsurpassed natural beauty, our open, compassionate society and the rule of law.
I draw attention to these because all three find expression in the women and men we are honouring today.
They are the guardians of our pristine woods and majestic waterways. They protect our borders, through work at entry points here in Canada, and in our embassies and consulates around the world.
They enforce our laws, and help bring lawbreakers to justice.
And yet, their work is little known by most Canadians. Indeed, too many of us are unaware of the valiant work these people do every day.
I say “valiant”; it is not too strong a word. These peace officers make an essential contribution to our quality of life.
I will give you some examples:
Canadians are deeply attached to their national parks, and we love to spend time there… hiking, camping and exploring.
But this part of the Canadian national experience would not be possible without the tireless efforts of the men and women who serve as Park Wardens with Parks Canada. Often their work involves saving people from injury, or even saving lives.
As well, Canadians are proud of our nation’s open and welcoming nature.
From my experience as a person who arrived in Canada as a refugee, I can tell you that Canada is seen around the world as a place where people have the opportunity to make a new start and where they can realize their dreams.
But this wonderful system does not work by itself.
Thanks to the hard work and the vigilance of dedicated professionals with the Canada Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration, our country is able to strike the right balance between justice and security.
Finally, Canadians are moved by dramatic images of our country’s rivers and coasts, or the striking beauty of our forests, mountains and plains. These landscapes are part of our national soul.
I ask you, where would we be, without the “Stewards of Canada’s Waters”, the women and men who work for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans?
They work with great dedication to promote conservation and protection of resources for the benefit of all Canadians.
And what would our wild vistas look like without the attention of the peace officers at Environment Canada, who help protect wild animals and plants, migratory birds, fish, and other aspects of our natural environment?
All of these people are committed to the same ideal: ensuring the safety of the people of Canada.
And so the people of Canada have devised a way of paying tribute to these extremely dedicated individuals, by creating the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal.
It is the sixth medal of this type, joining such illustrious honours programs as the Police Exemplary Service Medal, and similar ones for Corrections personnel, Fire Services, the Canadian Coast Guard and Emergency Medical Services.
All of the women and men being honoured today have served as peace officers for at least 20 years, with at least ten years on the “front lines”, exposed to risk. Just as importantly, they have performed their duties in an exemplary fashion.
A nation presents awards to recognize achievements by individuals. But such medals also serve another purpose, and that is to inspire others to reach higher and surpass themselves.
The exceptional people who will receive these medals are the first in what I am certain will be a long line of honourees.
Ladies and gentlemen, through your experiences and your constant dedication to duty, you have certainly set a very high standard for those who will follow you.
On behalf of our fellow citizens, I thank you for your outstanding service.
