October 9, 2024

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Welcome to Rideau Hall.

Today, we gather on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe peoples. Land acknowledgements are a way to show respect to Indigenous peoples, who have taken care of these lands for thousands of years.

Over the course of your mandates, you will often hear about the vast reconciliation journey that is taking place in Canada.

Just last week, we observed our annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to honour the Survivors of the residential school system.

We are both acknowledging the past and learning to do better in the future.

We are calling on all Canadians to join forces with Indigenous peoples to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

I invite all of you to support these efforts in your new functions.

Congratulations on your new roles, High Commissioner from Cyprus and ambassadors from Ecuador, the Netherlands, Ireland, the European Union, Austria and Albania.

Today’s ceremony is a reminder that we are here to join forces as we face unprecedented global challenges.

We are long-standing trading partners. Security partners. Partners in research and academia.

We collaborate on some of today’s most pressing issues, helping refugees in humanitarian crises, defending human rights and supporting peacekeeping missions.

We’ve already joined forces in so many ways. Let’s keep going.

Let’s share expertise on innovative solutions to fight climate change and advance the clean energy transition.

Canada’s North is warming up three times faster than the global average.

In Inuit communities like mine, in Northern Canada, global warming forces families to relocate. People are worried to see traditional hunting and fishing pathways vanishing.

I know we are not alone. Climate change is taking a toll on your communities as well.

So, let’s work together to build the greener future that our children deserve.

Also, in these times of division and conflict around the world, let’s join forces to champion inclusion, gender equality, cultural diversity and peace.

These are no small ambitions.

To all families here today: thank you for supporting your loved ones as they do this important work.

Moving to a new country can be challenging. But I am confident you will soon be finding your way around, and that Canadian diversity has a lot to offer you.

Welcome to Canada.