A Tribute to Laureen Harper

It is now time – and my great privilege, to present this year’s Simon Wiesenthal Award of Valour to Laureen Harper.

Laureen does not allow many of these moments in her life. Her natural modesty can frustrate her friends and admirers. Thank you Laureen for granting us this rare opportunity to attest: how much we value your character, how much we respect your work, and how proud we are of you as a great Canadian.

The poem from which this award takes its inspiration, attributed to King Solomon, praises a woman of valour as one who is righteous, energetic and capable.

And also as a woman whose husband’s heart relies on her.

How exact a description of Laureen!

She is righteous in the great and good causes she undertakes. Together with Heather Reisman, she mounted a global campaign to stand up to the Ahmadinejad regime, to save the life of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani an innocent victim in her own right - and also a poignant symbol of the cruel oppression endured by millions of women throughout that part of the world.

Her energy overflows into the many causes that are dear to her: notably the Canadian Red Cross, where she serves as Honourary Patron of the Tiffany Circle, which focuses on women’s health needs. The Run for the Cure in support of Breast Cancer research – which Laureen runs each year. She is a patron of the Military Family Fund of Canada. And of course her passionate commitment to animal welfare has inspired her work with the Humane Society. As Canada’s Cat-Lover-in-Chief, Laureen has transformed 24 Sussex into Ottawa’s premier foster home for neglected felines.

As for her capability: in Ottawa, a city of big talkers, Laureen is recognized as one of the capital’s outstanding doers. If you have Laureen on your side, you don’t have to worry very much about who’s on the other.

Laureen, today this room is filled with people who respect and admire you. Our number is limited only by the fire code – this event was sold out in an instant. And we gather here today to say: thank you. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for showing us what courage and independence of mind, and principle looks like. Thank you for your vocal and fearless support of Israel.

In an era when Israel’s longtime friends can sometimes waiver, I know it was you who ensured that Prime Minister Netanyanu and his wife Sara, were made to feel like warmly welcomed family friends at your homes in Ottawa and Harrington Lake when they visited Canada last year.

Thank you for the steadfast and crucial support you give to our Prime Minister, whose heart does indeed rely on your wisdom, your insights, and your perpetual good cheer.

During this spring’s election campaign, I witnessed that good cheer in action. I was on the prime minister’s tour bus on a day when he was scheduled to visit a farm in St. Catharine’s, Ontario. The plan was for the Harpers to tour the large farm using All Terrain Vehicles, ATV’s. But just as the campaign bus pulled up to the farm, a downpour of biblical proportions began to descend. The farm was instantly churned into a lake of mud. And as I looked out the bus window, I could only think: Oy vey.

But there was the proud farmer, standing outside in the rain so eager to greet the Harpers. And there were the cameras ready to record the scene. And there was the prime minister of our country, determined as always to do the right thing.

(Though I’m pretty sure he was also thinking to himself: ‘Oy Vey.’)

And there was Laureen, sunshine itself despite the rain and the mud and the general yuckiness. She zipped up her jacket, clasped the prime minister by the arm, and dazzled us all with her smile as she said to him:

“C’mon Stephen. Let’s do it. It’ll be fun.”

And thanks to her - it was. (Or at least that’s how it looked to me from inside the bus, because there was no way I was going out in that mess.)

Laureen, one of the chief architects of this event today is our dear friend, Aurel Braun. Aurel understands as much as anyone how much you hate being fussed over. But he refused to be deterred. He said: Laureen may prefer to do her works of charity and kindness in private. Laureen may avoid the recognition she deserves. But what about the many, many Canadians who might be inspired by her actions? This event is for them - so they will better know her - and better understand how fortunate this country is to have her at 24 Sussex.

Aurel is right. Laureen is an inspiration. Laureen, you have made many sacrifices in the service of your country. Now I ask you to endure one more: please allow us to celebrate you - Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Laureen Harper to the podium to accept this richly deserved Award.