VISION:
Connecting communities, governments, the private sector, and research centres of excellence in a unified effort to make a difference

Kaiser Foundation 2008 Awards for Excellence

April 24, 2008

Good evening Mayor Dave Bronconnier, Deputy Minister Paddy Meade, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It's an honour to join you this evening to recognize the people across our nation who are working to heal Canadians suffering the physical and mental harm of addictions and to prevent others from falling prey to the same enemy.

I think what I most appreciate about the Kaiser Foundation approach to battling addictions is the team philosophy that it takes with the issue.

As a former football player, I've experienced first hand the power of teamwork. In football, a team's goal is always to neutralize the opponent; to prevent them from gaining ground; or, better yet, to overpower them to the point where they're running backwards. But that's only possible when everyone on the team is given a clear role to play and the support they need to play it well.

That's something that the Kaiser Foundation understands. It understands that addiction is a truly powerful opponent. In fact it's too much for one person or one field of study to tackle single-handedly.

And that's why the Foundation unites people working at the grassroots level across Canada on the complex medical, social and economic factors that contribute to the issue.

Thanks to the support of organizations like the Kaiser Foundation, our team is gaining ground in the fight against addictions. We're making progress thanks to the contributions of everyone on the team, including the all-star players being recognized this evening.

As Her Majesty the Queen's representative in Alberta, it's my honour to offer congratulations to the 2008 Kaiser Foundation award recipients from across Canada.

Given that the awards are being celebrated here in Alberta, I can't miss this opportunity to offer special congratulations to University of Alberta student Daniel McKennitt for his award-winning work to prevent tobacco addiction in Aboriginal youth. Daniel, your fellow Albertans are proud of you and your accomplishments.

We're also thankful for all the work being done by everyone associated with the Kaiser Foundation both here in Alberta and across Canada. That includes the efforts of Foundation Chairman Edgar Kaiser and his team, the contributions of Canada's network of dedicated addictions researchers and specialists, the generosity of the corporate sponsors who have committed their time and resources to the fight and the leadership of everyone in our communities working to shine a light on this important issue.

Every step forward you take as a team in the battle against addictions does more than simply benefit those Canadians who are suffering today. It also guarantees a stronger quality of life and a healthier future for everyone.

Thank you all, best of luck in your future efforts and enjoy this well-deserved evening of celebration.