Ottawa, Ontario

Hello everyone.

It is great to be here today.

Thanks for inviting me.

And thank you, to all of you, for the difference you are making in the world.

National We Day is about you.

A generation of young global citizens that can truly shape the future.

And make no mistake, you can.

You are equipped to change your world.

You have what it takes to end the worst forms of poverty.

To stop injustices.

And to transform local and global communities for the better.

One of my favorite sayings is that we must "Think globally and act locally."

It means that our actions have repercussions that can resonate beyond our own backyards.

What you do at school, or in your community, can spark a chain reaction.

Whose benefits can exceed your wildest dreams.

We Day is a remarkable example of that.

This day was once just an idea.

An idea that would bring a generation together.

That would awaken a spirit of volunteerism that would eventually change the world.

And it is doing just that.

Because of socially conscious youth like you.

Young people who understand that making a better world for tomorrow means making a difference in the world today. 

I want to thank you for that.

And I want to tell you that the Government believes in the power and potential of today's youth.

Whether they live here in Canada or half-way across the world.

It is why we work in so many developing countries.

To save the lives of mothers and children.

To get more kids in school.

And to keep the next generation healthy.

So they, like you, can seize every opportunity that this world has to offer.

So today, on National We Day, I want you to have fun.

And be inspired by the stories you will hear.

But above all else, I want you to keep working for the future.

Because your vision, your hopes and your dreams can—and will—make a difference.

Thank you.