Speech — 2026 Governor General Innovation Awards

Press Release

May 13, 2026

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Welcome to Rideau Hall for this presentation of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards.

Rideau Hall is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. We respectfully acknowledge their enduring culture and contributions to this land.

We also salute Indigenous innovation, especially meaningful today, as one of our recipients is of Métis heritage.

I am honoured to recognize your achievements during Canadian Innovation Week.

This week, we celebrate the ideas and people shaping Canada’s future.

It is essential to honour those who, like you, are expanding the frontiers of knowledge and driving progress across diverse fields—from science and health to social justice.

True innovation stems less from creating new products and technologies, and more from embracing new ways of thinking.

Today, we celebrate your capacity to reimagine possibilities, partnerships and systems to address urgent needs in our society and beyond:

Improving outcomes for people living with chronic metabolic disorders.

Transforming health research worldwide.

Strengthening social housing.

Advancing sustainable food production.

Supporting youth affected by war.

In a world marked by rising conflict and intersecting health, climate and social challenges, your work matters more than ever.

So, please keep your imagination alive—it’s what moves us forward.

Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved honour.

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