Welcome remarks at the memorial of Sharon Capeling-Alakija

Hon. David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southeast

Room 200, West Block, House of Commons, December 10, 2003

Excellences, Mesdames, messieurs,

Friends of Sharon all:

Welcome et bienvenu à tous. We're gathered to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman. Sharon Capeling-Alakija was born a Canadian. But through her selflessness, she became a citizen of the world.

Sharon's work with CUSO, the UN Development Fund for Women, and the UN Volunteers is well known. While at UNIFEM, she established the Noel Foundation Life Award, whose recipients included the late Mother Theresa. As executive coordinator of the UN Volunteers, she organized the International Year of the Volunteer in 2001. Among other things, she oversaw the nearly 3,000 volunteers who worked with UN personnel in East Timor during the transitional administration there. Ce sont très peu nombreuses les personnes qui ont eu une carrière aussi distinguée et remarquable que Mme Capeling. 

Sharon was to have been awarded the Order of Canada this fall. Her illness prevented her from attending her investiture in October, and I understand that her children will be receiving the award on her behalf this week.  Sharon was a citizen of the world, but her life brought great honour to Canadians and remains a beacon to all of us.

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