Thank you all for gathering here to mark this historic occasion. Today we proudly bestow honorary Canadian citizenship on Malala Yousafzai, a young woman from Pakistan who has done tremendous things for the people of her country and for the children of the world.

As you know, Malala was supposed to join us in October 2014, but her trip was delayed following the terrible shooting at the National War Memorial here on Parliament Hill. So it is a tremendous privilege for us to finally welcome her for this ceremony and to proudly bestow honorary Canadian citizenship on her.

Malala is only the sixth person to receive this distinction, and she joins some of the world’s most influential and respected heroes.

Malala, your story is an inspiration to us all. The violence you survived at the hands of the Taliban didn’t deter you as it would have for so many others. Rather, you stood even stronger in the face of oppression. Your passion for justice only intensified. When you addressed the UN in 2013, you said:

“We realize the importance of light when we see darkness. We realize the importance of our voice when we are silenced.”

Malala Yousafzai, for bravely lending your voice to so many, we thank you. And from this day forward, we are all proud to call you Canadian.