On December 4, Canada’s Governor General outlined the country’s new agenda during the Speech from the Throne, an event which occurs every time a new session of Parliament is opened (and a fascinating event as far as I’m concerned).

If you’re not a Canadian citizen, check out this video about the event’s origins and associated traditions.

Game of Throne Speeches https://t.co/VTZjGbjJzn#socialstudies#cdnpoli#thankforthelessonintro

— Glen Thielmann (@gthielmann) December 4, 2015

It was clear from the very start of the event that there were two key things on the minds of Gov. General David Johnston and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: youth and diversity.

As the two men (and Trudeau’s wife) walked through Canada’s Hall of Honour to the Senate, they greeted a long line of youth, including several Syrian refugees. Cameras showed Johnston jovially chatting with girls and boys, while Trudeau slowly greeted each youngster one by one. Trudeau's close and honest gaze (and good looks) would have caused me to go weak in the knees.

And then the Gov. General gave a short, yet powerful, speech that described a country that would celebrate diversity and support those in need. He portrayed a Canadian future filled with openness, inclusiveness, and compassion. It was a speech that came as no surprise after Justin Trudeau’s decision to name the most diverse government in Canada’s history, but it still felt fresh and inspiring in a world where harsh words about Syrian refugees—and diversity in general—are regularly flung around. A few quotes really stood out.

1/ “Canada succeeds in large part because here, diverse perspectives and different opinions are celebrated, not silenced. Parliament shall be no exception.”

2/ “Canadians elected a government to bring us together, not to set us against one another. Canada is strong because of our differences, not in spite of them.”

3/ “As a country, we are strengthened in many ways: by our shared experiences, by the diversity that inspires both Canada and the world, and by the way that we treat each other.”

4/ “Canadians are open, accepting, and generous people. We know that helping those in need strengthens our communities and makes them safer, more prosperous places to live.”

5/ “We know the greatness that Canada is capable of, and we know that our success is not only about doing well for ourselves, but also about leaving an even better, more peaceful and prosperous world for our children.”

I often reflect on the important role diversity plays in life, and I know that without it, the ability to learn and grow would be stunted. I want to live in a world where diversity is celebrated, a world where diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs help communities become wiser and stronger. And I want to leave an even better, more peaceful and prosperous world for the following generations.

I commend Canada’s government for encouraging Canadian citizens to work together to support one another. It’s the type of rhetoric I wish many US politicians would use.     

In addition to celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusiveness, Canada’s government promised to prioritize other honorable efforts as well, including welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees by February 2016, building the middle class, providing more supports for survivors of domestic abuse and veterans, creating a more open and transparent government, cutting carbon emissions, and helping the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. You can (and should) read the full speech here.

Now, let’s see if Canada can put a few of these words into action. I surely hope so.