Speaking Notes
Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Investiture Ceremony
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Government House, St. John�s
 

Thank you.
Good morning everyone.

It is my great privilege to be here today to participate in this auspicious occasion. The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador honours individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in a specific field of endeavor. But more importantly, it is an honour bestowed on those whose professional and personal contributions enrich the lives of their fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians every day.

I offer my sincere congratulations and admiration to this year�s recipients of the Order.

George Bernard Shaw is reputed to have said �Some see things the way they are and ask, �Why?� I dream of things that never were and say, �Why not?��

As I sat here today and listened to your stories, I was deeply moved by the breadth and depth of your contributions and the magnitude of the impact you have had on this province and our people. Your response to a dream of something that has never been made our province a better place.

And whether it is Mr. Best�s love of music, Dr. Bruneau�s vision and innovation or
Sister Elizabeth Davis� dedication to leadership in health care, the imprint made on our province is unmistakable, enduring and significant. Your love and passion for your areas of endeavour have made you leaders in building the strong, proud and caring community, which characterizes Newfoundland and Labrador today.

Ms. Ennis�s commitment to literacy, social justice and equality; Ms. Green�s work to eradicate child hunger; and Dr. Nesbit�s dedication to helping students of all abilities reach their potential have made us a more equal society. Each of your contributions has benefited others. Each of you has left Newfoundland and Labrador a better place than it was when you started, and in the process you have created a legacy of caring, giving, doing and leading.

Whether we look at Mr. Penney�s business acumen and commitment to social causes; or Mr. Philips� eloquence in promoting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as compassionate, generous and brave; or Ms. Vardy�s unselfish devotion to the theatrical and healthcare communities, it is evident that you have enriched the lives of people all over the province.

To make a positive impact on the lives of those around us requires us to rise above our own circumstance. It takes a selfless person with drive and energy to work for the greater good of their community.

You exemplify the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. when he noted that �Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.�

It is indeed my honour to be a part of this ceremony today. I share in the pride felt by your friends and family, which is evident on the smiling faces I see as I look around the room. It is well-deserved. Today you join an impressive list of past recipients of the Order � from pioneers in the medical field to tireless volunteers to outstanding athletes. Your names will be a part of the great history of this province.

Those who affect their society to such an extent are forward thinkers, visionaries and pioneers � people who��dream of things that never were and say, �Why not?�� Thank you on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for giving of your time, your passion, your expertise, your vision, and your work. Thank you for answering your �Why not?� with time, effort, leadership and action.