Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
ORDER OF MANITOBA 2024 INVESTITURE CEREMONY
Manitoba Legislative Building
Thursday, July 11, 2024
(please check against delivery)
Friends, fellow Manitobans, builders of a great province, it’s a pleasure to celebrate twelve Manitobans today for their many contributions to the province we love.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I acknowledge that we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory and that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Dakota, Dene and Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation, that Manitoba is located on the homeland of the Red River Métis; and northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
As Manitobans, we respect and honour the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
Since 1999, the Order of Manitoba has been this province’s highest honour, recognizing individuals for work that enriches the social, cultural and economic life of Manitobans.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary, the Order of Manitoba continues to commemorate and recognize those, who’s lifetime of work, serve to benefit the good of this province.
Members have been inducted into the Order for defending the rights and protecting the health of their fellow Manitobans. Builders and nurturers of important community organizations have been celebrated, as have creators of jobs and innovation. Artists have been acknowledged for the beauty they create, educators and scientists for the understanding they foster, and community advocates for their work to protect and enhance cultural diversity.
Again in 2024, the Order of Manitoba recognizes twelve men and women for a wide range of profoundly important contributions to life in our province – and beyond.
For thousands of years, thinkers and philosophers have pondered the moral duty to help others and enhance society.
There’s a very old phrase, which many of you may be familiar with, from the first century rabbi Hillel, which often shows up in modified form attributed to any number of celebrities, politicians and writers.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?”
Members of the Order of Manitoba include great advocates for their own communities and interests. But these great Manitobans are not only advocates for themselves. They speak for all Manitobans who want a better, more just, healthier, more beautiful province.
The other part of Hillel’s famous phrase is perhaps most important. “If not now, when?”
Members of the Order of Manitoba are people who have looked at a need – changes in law, development of new community resources, questions in need of answer – and determined that the time to address that need is now, not some unspecified time in the future.
On this summer day, a few days following the anniversary of Manitoba’s entry into Confederation it is right that we take time to thank these twelve outstanding Manitobans for enhancing our communities, our province, our country and our world.
After all, if not now, then when?
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I thank those who serve as part of the on the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council. The time you dedicate helps shine a light on the greatness that exists within our province – and that is no easy task!
And I congratulate all of those Manitobans who dedicate their talents, time, resources and energy to enhancing life in our province – especially today’s new members of the Order of Manitoba. May the medal and pin recognizing your induction forever remind you of the gratitude of Manitobans.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom.
