The new tax convention will replace the 1987 Tax Convention between Canada and Poland to better reflect current Canadian and international tax convention policies.  In particular, the new tax convention lowers the maximum rate of withholding tax imposed on dividends paid between companies, and on interest payments.

Consistent with the Government of Canada's policy announced in Budget 2007 to combat international tax evasion, the updated tax convention also includes provisions reflecting the standard developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for the effective exchange of tax information.

Canada currently has tax conventions in force with 89 countries. The signature of this new tax convention with Poland reflects the efforts of the Government of Canada to update its tax convention network.

“Our Government is committed to helping Canadian industries innovate, prosper and create jobs in today’s global economy,” said the Prime Minister.  “We are proud to be supporting the creation of the Hardwood Research Institute which will generate research and teaching jobs here in New Brunswick while also enhancing the competitiveness of Canada’s forestry industry.”

The new Northern Hardwood Research Institute will undertake research that will lead to a more profitable and sustainable hardwood industry. The research will form the basis of new programs and courses that will be taught at the UMCE which will complement the University’s existing Forestry curriculum.

The Institute is expected to increase the quality and quantity of available hardwood, improve resource management practices and increase cooperation between the UMCE, the forestry industry and Government. The project is expected to create seven full time jobs and as well as opportunity for seven graduate student research positions.

The Government of Canada’s contribution for the project is being provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund. The Government of New Brunswick, the Université de Moncton and the private sector will also be providing support to the Institute.

Mr. Cannon will assume the position of Ambassador following the presentation of his credentials to President-elect François Hollande. Mr. Hollande will be inaugurated as President on May 15th.

Lawrence Cannon was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006 and re-elected in 2008. He was sworn in to the federal Cabinet in 2006 and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 until 2011.

Between 2001 and 2005, Mr. Cannon served as a city councillor in Gatineau, Quebec. He was appointed President of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais in 2002 and President of the Association du transport urbain du Québec in 2004. He was a member of Quebec’s National Assembly from 1985 to 1994 where he held the posts of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Minister of Communications. Before entering municipal politics, Mr. Cannon was a consultant in the private sector.

A graduate of the University of Montreal, Lawrence Cannon holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Laval University.

Mr. Cannon will succeed Marc Lortie, who has served as Canadian Ambassador to France since 2007.

“Ambassador Lortie has been a valued advisor during my many visits to France as Prime Minister and I thank him for his outstanding service to Canada.”

In true Navy tradition, the Monument was officially named by a member of the Service during the dedication ceremony. Miss Elsa Lessard, who served in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service during the Second World War, accepted this honour.

The Royal Canadian Navy Monument was designed by artist Al McWilliams, architects Joost Bakker and Bruce Haden, all from Vancouver, British Columbia. The monument, which is located in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region, will act as a lasting tribute to Canada’s Navy – both past and present.

The two countries have benefited from strong military co-operation, as well as growth in commercial relations. Poland is one of Canada’s largest merchandise trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe, with two-way merchandise trade valued at $1.7 billion in 2011.

Canada is home to a community of over 980,000 Polish-Canadians.

The three day visit, with stops in Ontario and Alberta, will advance bilateral relations and reaffirm the longstanding friendship between Canada and Poland.

“The Clerk’s Annual Report underscores some of the excellent work accomplished by civil servants over last year to help promote Canadian prosperity, meet the diverse needs of our citizens and improve the operations of the government,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “In the coming year, I look forward to working closely with the Public Service on building a leaner, more productive institution able to meet the demands of the future and the commitments in Economic Action Plan 2012.”

The Clerk’s report highlights the many accomplishments of the Public Service over the past year, including its response to natural disasters in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec, concluding ambitious agreements with the United States on perimeter security and economic competitiveness, finalizing and bringing into force free trade agreements with partners in Latin America, and releasing a Canada-First Nation Joint Action Plan. It also underscores how the Public Service has modernized the way it serves Canadians by consolidating Government resources through Shared Services Canada, expanding its commitment to Open Government, and engaging citizens through wider use of Web 2.0 technologies and social media.

The Report also sets the direction for the Public Service to adapt to ongoing fiscal pressures and the changing fabric of Canadian society. This includes working collaboratively and streamlining processes across Government organizations, taking advantage of new technologies and providing Canadians with better services at a lower cost.

Finally, the Prime Minister thanked the Clerk for this Report and his ongoing efforts to improve Canada’s Public Service.

The Report is available on the Clerk’s website (www.clerk.gc.ca).

“Former Prime Minister Chrétien is uniquely qualified to serve as Canada’s representative to the Diamond Jubilee Trust.  Mr. Chrétien is a member of the Queen’s prestigious Order of Merit. His relationship with Her Majesty, which spans over 40 years, includes six official Royal Tours he hosted during his time as Prime Minister,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “The Diamond Jubilee Trust is a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s dedicated service to Canada and the Commonwealth.  I would like to thank former Prime Minister Chrétien for representing Canada in this worthy charitable initiative.”

The Diamond Jubilee Trust was launched on February 6, 2012, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.  The Trust will focus on Commonwealth priorities such as combatting curable diseases and promoting education and culture.   The Trust will be funded by governments, individuals, organizations and the private sector, and will invest in projects that seek to make a real and enduring difference in people’s lives throughout the Commonwealth. 

For more information about the Diamond Jubilee Trust, including how to contribute, visit http://www.jubileetribute.org.

The Government of Canada recognizes that losing a child is a deeply traumatic experience, and that many parents faced with such an ordeal need time away from work to cope and recover. Beginning on January 1, 2013, the new Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children will provide support to eligible parents who suffer a loss of income as a result of taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of a child that was caused by a Criminal Code offence.

In Barbados, the Governor General will participate in celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen.  His Excellency will also highlight the substantial and growing educational ties between Canada and the Caribbean.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the Governor General will mark the 50^th anniversary of the country’s independence as well as 50 years of vibrant relations between Canada and the Caribbean nation. His Excellency will also promote stronger two-way educational ties.

The amended agreement will include a financial services chapter to ensure that Canadian financial institutions enjoy preferential access to the Chilean market and can compete on a level playing field vis-à-vis their competitors.  This will help institutions develop new markets in the banking, insurance and asset management sub-sectors in Chile.

The Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement has already greatly benefited both countries with two-way merchandise trade more than tripling since the agreement came into force in 1997.

While in Santiago, Prime Minister Harper also thanked President Piñera for his country’s support of Canada’s bid to join trade talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). 

“Canada’s participation in the TPP negotiations would deepen trade relationships with many of our important commercial partners, including Chile,” said the Prime Minister. “I want to thank President Piñera for Chile’s strong and longstanding support in our efforts to join the partnership.”

Managed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the Canadian Initiative for Security in Central America (CISCA) will focus on: police training; border security; enhancing regional dialogue; strengthening justice and security institutions; promoting human rights; supporting conflict resolution and reconciliation processes; and preventing and intervening in cases of violence against vulnerable groups, such as women and youth. Projects funded by CISCA will be implemented through Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP) and the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START).

Today’s announcement builds on nearly $2 billion in investments (2008-2011) to improve security, promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen institutions related to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Americas.

The contributions announced today will support a series of initiatives throughout the Americas, including:

• Private sector initiatives that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and reducing climate change vulnerabilities;
• Enhanced access to sustainable energy for targeted countries in the region;
• Technical assistance to strengthen the investment climate in select countries;
• Renewed support for the Organization of American States, the leading multilateral organization in the Americas; and,
• Strengthened management of Peru’s energy resources.

The new agreement with Colombia, which takes effect immediately, allows airlines to operate passenger and all-cargo services between Canada and Colombia, and to combine such air services with select third countries. Additionally, the agreement allows maximum flexibility relating to air services using the flights of other airlines, commonly referred to as code-sharing, which supports efforts by Canadian and Colombian air carriers to expand services.

The Open Skies-type agreements with Honduras and Nicaragua will provide airlines with maximum flexibility in terms of routes, frequency of service and pricing, which will facilitate new air services, support increased trade and tourism, as well as people-to-people ties.  The agreement with Honduras will enter into force once the agreement is ratified. The agreement with Nicaragua takes effect immediately.

The Open Skies-type agreements with Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which take effect immediately, replace the 1974 agreement that governed air services between Canada and the former Netherlands Antilles, and also provide airlines with maximum flexibility in terms of routes, frequency of service and pricing. This will allow the expansion of existing services and the introduction of new services, encouraging trade and tourism, and promoting connections between people.

Since November 2006, Canada’s Blue Sky policy has encouraged long-term, sustainable competition, and the development of new and expanded international air services. Under this policy, the Government of Canada has concluded open, new or expanded air transport agreements with more than 60 countries.

"Given the fragile state of the global economy, it is imperative that real progress be achieved on trade and investment liberalization in the Americas and beyond,” said Prime Minister Harper. "I look forward to working with Summit leaders towards enhancing trade flows and security in the hemisphere, making it a safer, more prosperous place to live.”

 At this year’s Summit – the theme of which is “Connecting the Americas: Partners for Prosperity” – leaders will explore how to advance prosperity in the hemisphere by working more closely and effectively together on security issues, mitigating the effects of disasters, alleviating poverty and inequality, and increasing access to information and communication technologies. 

The Summit of the Americas brings together the democratically-elected leaders of 34 countries throughout the hemisphere and is a vital forum to forge consensus on ways to overcome common challenges. 

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the Americas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Summit where he will be promoting Canada as a trading nation and investment destination of choice and a key partner for the development and sustainable management of resources. 

Prime Minister Harper will also travel to Chile on April 16, 2012. The visit will serve to deepen the strong ties that already exist between Canada and Chile in areas such as commerce, human rights and democratic governance, peace and security, education and youth mobility. The visit comes as both countries celebrate the 15^th anniversary of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement.

At the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit, Canada committed to returning spent HEU fuel to the United States by the end of 2018. Canada has made significant progress in implementing this initial commitment with the first shipment of fuel returned in 2010.  With today’s announcement, Canada will now be returning an even broader range of HEU material to the United States.

This initiative, which will also be completed by the end of 2018, supports international efforts being promoted at the Nuclear Security Summit to consolidate HEU at a smaller number of very secure locations. These efforts have resulted in several countries returning fresh and spent HEU to original suppliers as well as the consolidation of HEU inventories within countries.

“Canada recognizes the pivotal role the International Atomic Energy Agency plays in promoting nuclear safety and security around the world,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Our Government is proud to continue providing substantial support for this vital international organization, including its efforts to counter nuclear terrorism.”

Canada is the third-largest national contributor to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund – the world’s center of cooperation in the nuclear field – having contributed more than $17 million through its Global Partnership Program (GPP) since 2004. The GPP is the main mechanism through which Canada contributes to international efforts to enhance nuclear security and prevent the proliferation and acquisition by terrorist organizations of weapons and materials of mass destruction and related expertise.

In a joint-statement issued during the Summit, the Global Partnership expressed their support for the central role played by the IAEA in enhancing nuclear security globally.

Since 2010, Global Partnership members have collectively contributed approximately $55 million to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund to support concrete nuclear security projects worldwide. These projects include enhancing physical protection measures at vulnerable nuclear facilities and installing radiation detection equipment at borders to prevent illicit nuclear trafficking.

“Nuclear terrorism is a serious threat and presents a significant global security challenge,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Canada’s Global Partnership Program is essential to the international effort to combat nuclear terrorism and to prevent weapons of mass destruction and related materials from falling into the wrong hands.”

Through the Global Partnership Program, Canada participates in the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, a collaborative international initiative that addresses global security challenges related to the proliferation and terrorist use of weapons and materials of mass destruction.

For more information on Canada’s work to enhance nuclear and radiological security worldwide, please visit Canada’s Global Partnership Program Website:
http://www.international.gc.ca/gpp-ppm/background_apercu.aspx?lang=eng&view=d

Prime Minister Harper visited a local hilltop shrine to express Canada’s sympathies to the victims, and to all those affected by the disaster.  He was joined at this popular commemorative site by the local mayor and a young Canadian teacher to lay flowers and to survey the clean-up and recovery efforts along the battered coastline.

He also visited a junior high school in the coastal town of Yuriage which was devastated by the tsunami.  Accompanied by the school’s principal, he paid respects to the 14 students and more than 20 parents who lost their lives but was heartened to learn of the surviving students’ success at recent graduation ceremonies in a neighboring school.

The free trade agreement negotiations build on a recently released Canada-Japan Joint Study which estimates that such an agreement could mean gains of up to $3.8 billion a year in Canadian gross domestic product, with Canadian exports to Japan increasing by as much as 67 percent. The Government will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that their interests and concerns are taken into account during the course of the negotiations.

In less than six years, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, Honduras, Jordan, Panama, Peru and the European Free Trade Association states of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is also in negotiation with many others, including India, the European Union and now, Japan.

Support for projects that combat human smuggling in Thailand and Southeast Asia will be provided through the Government of Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP), and will enhance stability through increased cooperation and capacity building.

Today’s announcement builds upon previous Canadian efforts to support security and stability in the region, including programs under Canada’s Counter-Terrorism Capacity-Building Program (CTCBP). These initiatives not only help address security issues in the region, but also address threats to Canadians and Canadian interests.

Canada and Thailand further reiterated their commitment to working together to address security issues with the March 23, 2012, signing of a Letter of Understanding (LOU). This LOU provides a framework to guide and facilitate future security capacity building programming between the two countries.

Once concluded and in force, the reciprocal arrangement will enable Canadian and Thai youth between the ages of 18 and 30 to gain knowledge and skills from one another’s culture, thus giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

By forging greater links amongst young people, such exchanges will also strengthen the people-to-people ties between Canada and Thailand.

Canada currently has bilateral arrangements on youth exchanges with 32 countries and territories. In 2010, nearly 57,000 young adults from around the world and approximately 19,000 Canadian youth participated in exchanges under the International Experience Canada initiative.

The exploratory talks will examine the potential economic benefits of a free trade agreement and how such an agreement would enhance the existing relationship between the two countries. The Government will also be engaging with Canadians and stakeholders, including provincial and territorial partners, on the scope of a possible free trade agreement with Thailand.

Thailand is Canada’s largest bilateral merchandise trading partner within the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 2011, the year that marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Canada’s bilateral merchandise trade with Thailand totalled nearly $3.5 billion, an increase of 14.8 percent over 2010.

In less than six years, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, Honduras, Jordan, Panama, Peru and the European Free Trade Association states of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is also in negotiation with many others, including India and the European Union.

Prime Minister Harper will visit Bangkok from March 23-24, at the invitation of Thailand’s Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra. The Prime Ministers will mark more than 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the 35^th anniversary of Canada’s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Thailand is a member. While in Thailand, Prime Minister Harper will also promote Canada as an investment destination of choice and discuss cooperation between our two countries in combating human smuggling and terrorism in the region.

Following his visit to Thailand, Prime Minister Harper will visit Japan from March 25-26. In Japan, he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to discuss a range of issues, including the state of the global economy, bilateral commercial ties and regional security. He will also travel to the northern area near Sendai to express Canada’s sympathy to the victims of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.

Prime Minister Harper will then visit South Korea from March 26-27 to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.

“Canada continues to play an important role in international efforts to address nuclear security,” said the Prime Minister. “The Seoul Summit will provide the opportunity to report on progress achieved over the last two years and to work with partners to enhance nuclear security at home and abroad.”

The Summit brings together world leaders from over 50 countries, including all G-8 and G-20 members, as well as four international organizations, to discuss concrete efforts to secure vulnerable nuclear materials worldwide and prevent nuclear terrorism.

During this year’s Summit, the leaders will focus their attention on the following themes:  strengthening North America's global competitiveness and addressing threats to security in North America and throughout the hemisphere. They will also discuss North America’s role in the Americas in anticipation of the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia, in April, 2012.

The last North American Leaders’ Summit was hosted in Guadalajara, Mexico in August 2009.  The previously scheduled NALS, to have been hosted by President Obama in Honolulu, Hawaii, in November 2011, was postponed following the tragic death of Mexican Secretary of the Interior Francisco Blake Mora.

Shield of Athena Family Services is a non-profit organization for victims of family violence that offers culturally and linguistically adapted support, intervention and prevention services, as well as emergency shelter to women and their children.

The support announced today will be used towards the project Contributing to the Prevention of Honour Crimes and Violence against Women and Girls: Developing a Community Screening, Information and Training Strategy, which will train community liaison workers to promote awareness in their communities, identify at-risk situations and refer potential victims for assistance.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada, while strengthening families and communities.

The Vimy Pin was introduced in February 2009 by the Vimy Foundation which works to preserve and promote the legacy of Canada’s important contribution to the Allied victory in the First World War. It symbolizes Canada’s victory at Vimy and recognizes the important role this battle played in shaping Canada’s identity.

Vimy Ridge protected an area of occupied France where several factories and mines were in full production for Germany. Its height and strategic location also made it a key part of the German defensive lines. Attacking with all four of his divisions, the Commander of the Canadian Corps, Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng, was able to successfully execute a four staged operation which resulted in the capture of Vimy Ridge. The operation was an impressive victory, both as a military success at a difficult time on the Western Front and in enhancing Canada’s role among the Allied Powers in the First World War. The battle also marked the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together.

The Prime Minister also announced today that the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, will travel to Vimy, France, on April 9, 2012, along with the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, to attend a special commemorative ceremony in the presence of 5000 Canadian youth marking the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

A commemorative ceremony is held every year on April 9 at the Vimy Memorial, which serves as a tribute to all those who fought during the battle of Vimy Ridge, and has come to symbolize Canada’s commitment to peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

In addition to the ceremony taking place in Vimy, there will also be a vigil and ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, as well as a number of events in communities across the country.

The Government of Canada recently approved regulatory amendments that were necessary for the pedestrian tunnel project to move ahead. Consultations and a public opinion survey found that stakeholders and Torontonians strongly support the construction of the tunnel.

The underground and underwater pedestrian tunnel will provide reliable, round-the-clock, all-weather access between the airport and downtown Toronto (foot of Bathurst Street at Eireann Quay) for the more than one and a half million passengers who use the facility every year.  

The tunnel, which will complement the current ferry service to and from Toronto Island, is expected to take just over two years to complete.  It is being built by a private sector consortium, Forum Infrastructure Partners, and will be largely funded through the Airport Improvement Fee.

The tunnel is one of many initiatives the Government of Canada is involved in to help people move more efficiently around Toronto.  Other initiatives include providing support to expand Toronto’s GO Transit and to enhance the Toronto Transit Commission, and providing tax breaks to commuters.

This year’s report is being delivered at a time when the Public Service is experiencing significant changes.

“Given the current economic and societal realities, it is essential for all organizations, including the Public Service, to re-examine their business methods,” said Prime Minister Harper. “I would like to thank the Advisory Committee for their ongoing work in making the Public Service become more modern, sustainable and efficient moving forward.”

The Committee’s report welcomed recent modernization efforts by the Government of Canada, including the creation of Shared Services Canada and the ongoing progress being made in people management in the Public Service, including the findings of the five-year review of the Public Service Modernization Act.

The report also included three key recommendations: that Government and Public Service leaders be decisive and stay the course in implementing transformative changes, that the recruitment of talented people and the investment in employee training and development continue and that the Public Service take full advantage of new technologies to support its work and the mandate of the organization.

The Advisory Committee is composed of nine eminent Canadians and is co-chaired by the Honourable Paul M. Tellier and the Honourable David Emerson.  It was created in 2006 to advise the Prime Minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council on the renewal and future development of the Public Service.

The sixth report is available at the Clerk’s website http://www.clerk.gc.ca/sixth

Mrs. Schofield has had a successful career in business and has been involved in a number of community organizations in Saskatchewan including the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, St. John Ambulance, the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and many others. Mrs. Schofield is also an Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel for the 38 Service Battalion.

Lieutenant Governors are appointed by His Excellency the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.  They serve five-year terms, during which they act as their provinces’ vice-regal representatives.

Prime Minister Harper also took the opportunity to thank his Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart for his dedicated service as Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, which began in August 2006.

The program, which is being managed by CanNor, will help ensure that more working-age adults achieve sufficient levels of literacy, numeracy and other essential skills to participate in the labour market. Initiatives under the program, which are expected to begin over the coming year, will be delivered by Aurora College, Yukon College and Nunavut College. These services and programs will improve educational capacity in communities across the North.

The new Northern Adult Basic Education Program delivers on the Government’s commitment in the 2011 Speech from the Throne, to help increase education and employment levels in the North.

During his 50-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, General Grant served in a variety of leadership roles, including as Deputy Commander and Area Commander of the Atlantic Militia Area, as Senior Reserve Advisor to the Commander Force Mobile Command, and as Special Projects Officer on the Chief of Reserves Council at National Defence Headquarters. He retired from the military in 1989.

Lieutenant Governors are appointed by His Excellency the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.  They serve five-year terms, during which they act as their provinces’ vice-regal representatives. 

Prime Minister Harper also took the opportunity to thank the Honourable Mayann E. Francis for her five years of tireless service as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, which began in September 2006.

A world-class triathlete, Mr. Lavoie is the Founding Chairman of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, a health promotion program that uses physical and educational activities to motivate children between the ages of 6 and 12 to stay healthy by eating the right foods and exercising regularly. He is also President of the Association de l’acidose lactique, spokesman for the Corporation de recherches et d'actions sur les maladies héréditaires (CORAMH) and Founder of the Club cycliste acidose lactique for 10- to 17-year-olds.

Pierre Lavoie received a Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2005 and became Knight of the Ordre national du Québec in 2006. In 2011, he was named Member of the Order of Canada for his leadership and commitment to youth and for his support of research into hereditary diseases, and awarded the Medal of Honour of the National Assembly.

February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, and in hundreds of communities across Canada. To celebrate this special day in Canadian history, the Peace Tower flag is presented each year to one or more Canadians who exemplify the values our country holds dear.