As 2005 draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the year past, and the year beginning.

We think of those in need, and the compassion and generosity of Canadians at home and abroad; we think of the sacrifices our soldiers, police, diplomats and aid-workers have made to preserve peace and build institutions of governance around the world.

We think of what we represent at home – defending the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, by respecting the rights of same-sex couples to be married; working with the Provinces and Territories to lay the foundation for a national program for Early Learning and Child Care, to nurture our children in their formative early years; implementing the New Deal for Cities and Communities, to ensure the places we live are dynamic and prosperous.

In each of our initiatives we are preserving the values that have made and continue to make Canada unique in the world – a nation enriched by the traditions of every community it fosters and protects; a country people come to from all regions of the globe, in search of new hope, tolerance and understanding. These are the values your government is proud to uphold.

In the coming year, I look forward to traveling this great country once again, to share our goals with you and to describe the Liberal Party’s vision for the years ahead, to hear your stories and to share your hopes for the country’s future.