An Address

Good evening to you all, and thank you for a very kind and complimentary welcome. And in return, I am happy to welcome you to Ottawa. Bonsoir à tous et à toutes. Il me fait plaisir de vous souhaiter la bienvenue à Ottawa. There is a long and healthy Canadian tradition of complaining about what is said and done in our national capital; condemning politicians and public servants is the birthright of every Canadian. But I think you will see, in your work here this week, some of the excitement, and importance, and real moral purpose, in the politics and the practice of Canadian democracy.