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Address by
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
on the occasion of the investiture of
Nelson Rohlilahla Mandela as
an Honorary Citizen of Canada
November 19, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honour and
privilege to say a few words about a man whose life and meaning cannot be
captured in mere words: Mr. Nelson Mandela.
Sir, in your long walk for freedom and justice
you led a mighty struggle against fear and ignorance. Armed only with the
courage of your convictions and the rightness of your cause, you triumphed --
for all of the people of South Africa and for the world.
As President of your country, you were an
abiding force for reconciliation. You have been a resolute soldier for peace.
And stirring voice for the children of the world. You have lived the pain of
Africa. And sense the longing of her people for a brighter future. A goal that
must remain a common cause for the world even as we struggle with other pressing
threats and challenges.
Indeed...the commitment of Canada to Africa
remains stronger than ever. The New Partnership for Africa's Development will be
a principal focus of the G-8 Summit that Canada will host in Kananaskis next
June. Canada will play a leadership role in this remarkable enterprise.
Sir, you have, in every way, been living and
inspiring proof of something you once said that has always struck me with its
simplicity. You said that "A good
head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
Please accept my compliments, sir: You have a
gift for understatement.
Each time you have visited Canada you have
honoured us. Today, you are doing us the greatest honour of all by accepting our
invitation to join the Canadian family.
As a sign of our enduring bond, and as a memento
of this truly special occasion, I would also like to present to you a Canadian
flag that this very day flew on the Peace Tower of our Parliament Buildings.
And it is now my pleasure, as Prime Minister of
Canada, to introduce Mr. Nelson Mandela: A citizen of the world by excellence.
And, forever more, a citizen of Canada.
Please join me now in welcoming him to our
family.
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