I didn't make history tonight, you did. And don't let anyone tell you any differently. I know thatI am on stage tonight for one reason and one reason only: because you put me here. And yougave me clear marching orders. You want a government that works as hard as you do, one thatis focused every minute of every day on growing the economy, creating jobs and strengtheningthe middle class, one that is devoted to helping less fortunate Canadian families work theirway into the middle class.
You want a Prime Minister who knows Canada is a country strong, not in spite of ourdifferences, but because of them, a PM who never seeks to divide Canadians, but takes everysingle opportunity to bring us together. You want a Prime Minister who knows that ifCanadians are to trust their government, their government needs to trust Canadians, a PM whounderstands that openness and transparency means better, smarter decisions. You want aPrime Minister that knows that a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with indigenouspeoples that respects rights and honours treaties must be the basis for how we work to closethe gap and walk forward together.
Canadians – Canadians have spoken. You want a government with a vision and an agenda forthis country that is positive and ambitious and hopeful. Well, my friends, I promise youtonight that I will lead that government. I will make that vision a reality. I will be that PrimeMinister.
In this election, 1,792 Canadians stepped up, put their names on ballots and on lawn signsand ran for office. Three hundred and thirty-eight of them were chosen by you to be their voicesin Ottawa, and I pledge tonight that I will listen to all of them.
There are a thousand stories I could share with you about this remarkable campaign, but Iwant you to think about one in particular. Last week, I met a young mom in St. Catharines,Ontario. She practises the Muslim faith and was wearing a hijab. She made her way through thecrowd and handed me her infant daughter, and as she leaned forward, she said something thatI will never forget. She said she's voting for us because she wants to make sure that her littlegirl has the right to make her own choices in life and that our government will protect thoserights.
To her, I say this: you and your fellow citizens have chosen a new government, a governmentthat believes deeply in the diversity of our country. We know in our bones that Canada wasbuilt by people from all corners of the world who worship every faith, who belong to everyculture, who speak every language.
We believe in our hearts that this country's unique diversity is a blessing bestowed upon usby previous generations of Canadians, Canadians who stared down prejudice and foughtdiscrimination in all its forms. We know that our enviable, inclusive society didn't happen byaccident and won't continue without effort. I have always known this; Canadians know it too. Ifnot, I might have spoken earlier this evening and given a very different speech.
Have faith in your fellow citizens, my friends. They are kind and generous. They are open-minded and optimistic. And they know in their heart of hearts that a Canadian is a Canadian,is a Canadian.
My friends, we beat fear with hope. We beat cynicism with hard work. We beat negative,divisive politics with a positive vision that brings Canadians together. Most of all, we defeatedthe idea that Canadians should be satisfied with less, that good enough is good enough andthat better just isn't possible. Well, my friends, this is Canada, and in Canada, better is alwayspossible.
Thank you. Thank you very much.