Speaking Notes by The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health - Hélène Campbell: Welcome Home

July 17, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Check Against Delivery

Good morning!

Let me begin by saying the words that so many people have been waiting to hear: 

Welcome home, Helene!

It is absolutely wonderful, Helene, that you and your family are back home in Ottawa.

Helene, over this past year, you have inspired so many people. 

It's been said that difficult times reveal people's true character.  Helene, you have shown grace, courage, and inner strength during challenging times, all the while keeping a sense of humour. 

Literally thousands of people watched your every move over social media. 

After your surgery last April, personalities on TV, newspaper reports, and radio shows like The Morning Hot Tub kept thousands more up-to-speed with the challenges you faced.

We anxiously waited for the news that you had taken your first unassisted breath with your new lungs. 

When YOU exhaled...WE did too. 

Over the last year, you became a beacon of light for organ donation campaigns everywhere. You looked beyond yourself, and engaged international celebrities in your quest to raise awareness about organ donation. Through it all, you inspired Canadians to give the gift of life.

The importance of research in the transplantation community cannot be overstated. Today, I'm pleased to tell you -- and everyone gathered here -- that our Government has committed $10 million to support a national transplant research program to increase donation and to help those who receive transplants. This program should be in place by next spring, and I believe it will help more people like Helene in the future.

Ontario's Trillium Gift of Life Network knows first-hand how Hélène's efforts contributed to a significant increase in  organ donor registrations. I encourage everyone to visit their website www.beadonor.ca where you can sign up to be an organ donor and learn how one donor can save up to eight lives.

Last May, Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented Hélène with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work in raising awareness for organ donation.

Today, I would like to present Hélène with a traditional Inuit ulu. In my home territory of Nunavut, the ulu represents strength.

Helene, you have embodied the idea of strength in the hearts and minds of Canadians, and for many around the world.

The recovery from such a serious operation is a long one but I know you will be lifted up by the love and support of your family and friends.

You have captured the hearts of all Canadians, Hélène, and I thank you for your tireless efforts to raise awareness about organ donations.

As you pass the torch to those that follow in your footsteps, I'm confident we will embrace their stories in the same way we did yours.

Thank you.