On February 12, 2010, Canada will welcome the World!  The Olympic flame will finally complete its countrywide journey to touch off the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The best athletes from around the world will compete.  Spectators from every corner of the globe will gather in Vancouver and Whistler to cheer on their favorite competitors.  Canadians from coast to coast to coast, from every walk of life, will be lining up at venues or glued to TV screens across our Nation in support of our Canadian athletes.

I join with my fellow Canadians in wishing our athletes success as they represent Canada in their pursuit of excellence. Their dedication, hard work and perseverance represent the very best of Canada and embody our Canadian spirit.  The world is their stage, and we, their audience, are watching with pride.