Alberta has long been seen as a mecca of opportunity, with hard-working and independently- minded people having come here for more than a century to make a better life for themselves and their families. I look forward to hearing about the concerns and aspirations of the women and men of Alberta. Each and every one of them has valuable lessons to teach me and I will be listening.

On behalf of the people of Canada , I sincerely thank the residents of Hartley Bay, who, without knowing what to expect, pulled together and did all they could have done to rescue and care for the people on board The Queen of the North. These types of actions have the power to change the course of a life.

Recipients of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award are the glimmer of hope that saves so many people from sinking into solitude and helplessness. You have touched lives, each in your own way. Without expecting anything in return, you give a part of yourselves to others and you have been enriched by a new experience. On behalf of the people of Canada, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring about your fellow citizens and for contributing to the betterment of us all.

I think today is sweet revenge.

It's up to the people ... whether they are going to stand for this or not.

We want to give them this opportunity to demonstrate their talents in front of their own people. They're excited about it. These guys would really love the opportunity to show the Virgin Islands that they can box with anybody.