Speaking notes for

The Honourable Rona Ambrose,
President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of Western Economic Diversification

Check Against Delivery

Thank you for your kind introduction Ms. (Janet) Fry and good morning everyone. It is a great honour to be here today for the grand opening of the Don Wheaton Family YMCA in Edmonton’s city centre.

I am equally pleased to be here with my fellow platform guests who have also joined us on this very special occasion.  Councillor Jane Batty, Ward 4, from the City of Edmonton; and
Franco Savoia, President and CEO of the YMCA of Edmonton.

Today marks a significant moment in Edmonton’s history. Through a progressive act of legislation in 1907, the Edmonton YMCA was established. Prominent Edmontonians like Alexander Rutherford and John A. McDougall helped raise funds to begin construction of the first YMCA building, demonstrating a spirit and sense of community that has survived the test of time.

Standing side-by-side, City of Edmonton residents and the YMCA jointly celebrated the official opening of the original building in 1908. A building was opened, but even more notable - a movement began. So today we come full circle - we stand, almost 100 years later to celebrate the grand opening of the Don Wheaton Family YMCA - not only a building, but an important legacy of community and spirit.

We celebrate this vital initiative, carried forward by the collective vision, dedication and hard work, of the YMCA of Edmonton and its partners. It is truly partnership that is the cornerstone of this project.  The generosity and leadership of the Wheaton Family cannot be understated. We are grateful for their compassion and commitment to this facility. 

Over the past 100 years, the YMCA of Edmonton has played a vital role in creating life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body.
The YMCA’s tireless work in providing health and wellness programs has enriched and enhanced the lives of the members of our community, and this work has not gone unnoticed.
Today, we are fortunate to recognize individuals who exemplify what it means to be contributing citizens. 

The presentation of the second annual YMCA Peace Medals offers us a perfect context in which to celebrate those who, through selfless acts, make the world a better place and are an example of YMCA’s vision put into action. Without any special resources, these individuals demonstrate, through their lives and activities, a commitment to advancing peace in their communities and around the world.

They extend a generous hand to those in need and personify an understanding that by doing good, you expand goodness in the world. Today’s peace medal recipients have made a difference and demonstrated leadership demonstrating compassion and concern for fellow human beings.

It is necessary for us all to continue our collective commitment to develop strong leaders, who in turn help build stronger communities at home and abroad. Communities need leaders. Leaders in peace, such as our award recipients and leaders of communities, such as the YMCA of Edmonton.

Our Government recognizes the importance of fostering leadership and building strong communities, which is why we have put our support behind this initiative. Western Economic Diversification Canada, through the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program, was proud to invest over $425,000 towards the Don Wheaton Family YMCA. And I am proud to state the Government of Canada is continuing its role in improving Alberta’s infrastructure needs.

On July 4, 2007 we announced our intention of moving forward with our      $33 billion “Building Canada Plan”, which will continue to improve community infrastructure and build the foundation for sustained long-term economic growth in the 21st century. As we pause and reflect on what has been accomplished today, we can be very excited for the future. Our continued efforts and partnerships will realize many benefits for Albertans and we can look forward to celebrating future accomplishments together.

The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is committed to increasing the viability and diversification of regional economies through investments in local infrastructure. The YMCA of Edmonton’s contribution and commitment has had a significant impact on our economic prosperity and quality of life.

I sincerely congratulate everyone who was involved in bringing this special project to reality and wish you every success as you enrich and enhance your community. This celebration continues to be as important as it was almost 100 years ago. Let us celebrate this grand opening of the Don Wheaton Family YMCA together.

Thank you!