My dear friends, hello. It is truly a pleasure to be here with you and to take part for the first time in the “Charlevoix reconnaît” Gala. It is my pleasure to accept the honorary title Grand Bâtisseur this evening. As everyone knows, the people of the region are close knit, they have a strong sense of community and they know each other well. Now, it is no secret that, unfortunately, I did not have the chance to grow up here. But, like many Québécois, I visited the region many times over the years, and like nearly everyone, I always felt at home here.

The picturesque scenery, great food and many activities, summer and winter. My family and I have lots of great memories of our visits here, and the fun we had. But what sets this region apart, this welcoming and magical place, is the people who live here. All of you sitting in front of me tonight, you have welcomed my team, my friends, my family, our guests as if they were your own. In restaurants, shops, hotels, ski hills, in the street; indeed, Charlevoix’s greatest treasure is the people who live here. 

And that is exactly why we chose Charlevoix to host the next G7 meeting. I want the leaders to experience your famous hospitality. I want them to feel at home. My friends, I am very proud to be bringing the world home to Quebec this spring.

The Charlevoix region really represents the message that Canada sends to the rest of the world: that it is not only possible but necessary to find a balance between growing the economy and protecting our environment. It will be an opportunity for us to have frank and open conversations in order to build a greener, more equal and more prosperous world. But it is not just the leaders who will benefit from a G7 in Charlevoix. The entire region will in fact benefit from greater visibility on the world stage, which in turn will create economic benefits for local businesses and citizens. Restaurants, restaurant owners, hotel operators and store owners—many people will benefit from this G7 for months and years to come. 

That said, we must prepare for this large-scale event. First, we have to take the necessary measures to ensure the security of the sites, the leaders and, above all, the citizens. We have to work with the international community to ensure that events run smoothly. We have to collaborate with citizens and stakeholders in the region to identify what infrastructure is needed, and make adjustments. Preparations are already under way, and I can assure you that this work is indeed being done in collaboration with the community.

Tonight, you have honored me by awarding me the honorary title of Grand Bâtisseur [great builder]. To me, a builder is someone who undertakes projects that can withstand the test of time. Long-lasting projects. I intend to live up to the title you are conferring on me tonight, and to see this project, which will benefit the region not only this spring, but for years to come, through to the end. When we talk about renewing infrastructure or building new infrastructure, we do not mean just for this great event, but also for those in receipt of it. To see this project through, my team and I will continue to build a strong partnership with your community, and listen to your needs, as well as your concerns. We’re taking on this project together and together we will realize it.

Once again, thank you for inviting me here tonight. I know that, like you, I am looking forward to continuing to work together to ensure the success of the next G7 meeting, and especially the prosperity of Charlevoix. Thank you, everyone! Thank you, friends!