Sheila Fraser was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Thompson Rivers University on June 9, 2011. TRU is recognized Ms. Fraser’s contribution to the fields of accounting, legislative auditing and public administration. Sheila Fraser is Canada’s Auditor General. She has focused the Office’s efforts on serving the needs of parliamentarians and ensuring they have objective and reliable information with which to scrutinize government activities and hold the government to account for its stewardship of public funds. Below are her remarks upon receiving the honorary degree.

Chancellor Oppal, President Shaver, Faculty and Staff, Honoured Guests, Graduates and Parents, Ladies and Gentlemen…

I am deeply honoured to receive this degree.

When I was growing up on a farm in Quebec, my parents impressed upon me, my sisters and my brother, the value of education. Well, two of my sisters are doctors, one is a lawyer, and the other three—believe it or not—are all accountants.

I know my parents would have been very proud to see me receive such a prestigious honour from Thompson Rivers University. Just as I know that all the mothers and fathers here today are proud of this year’s graduating class. Not to mention the grandparents…

Congratulations to all of you.

So here you are, degrees in hand, ready to start your next adventure. Some of you may be continuing your education. Some of you may be heading into the work world. Some of you may be unsure of your next step.

Even if your heart is set on a particular direction, you should expect that there will be a few twists and turns along the way. You might even want to welcome the unexpected. Take it from me: good things can happen if you stay open and attentive to opportunities.

After I finished my degree in commerce, I was looking forward to a long stay with a major accounting firm in Montreal. Early in my career, however, I had the chance to transfer to the Quebec City office.

My French wasn’t very good at the time, but I grabbed the opportunity and immersed myself in the new environment. It was tough but I learned fast.

It turned out to be a decision that conferred many gifts—not the least of which was greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the bi-cultural nature of this country.

Sometimes success and satisfaction take forms we don’t expect.

While I was in Quebec City, for example, I was quite content to carry out my work under the radar. I wanted to make a contribution, but I had no desire for the spotlight. Little did I know what was in store…

As Auditor General, I had a very public role, one that led to experiences and challenges that I could never have imagined.

Along with my staff, I provided the information that Parliament needed to hold government accountable for the stewardship of public funds. For me, this was more than a job—it was a sacred trust. It was also an awfully long way from driving a tractor on the family farm.

With hindsight, I can see that the twists and turns of my career were not taking me off course—they were an integral and essential part of the journey.

No matter what goals we set—or don’t set—for ourselves, we’re guaranteed to find ourselves in unfamiliar territory.

When we started an audit, we rarely knew where it would end, and what we would find. If we went into the task with too many preconceived notions and expectations, we might not have asked the right questions. We might have missed out on what was really important.

So I try to keep an open mind. I give people the benefit of the doubt. But I’ve also learned it’s important to question authority.

In our system of government, my former staff and I had the freedom to operate independently. This independence allowed me—more than that—impelled me to communicate frankly—even if it meant voicing criticism.

During your working life, you may find yourself in situations where the right thing to do is to speak the truth to someone in authority—truth that may imply a good dollop of criticism. If so, I encourage you to muster your courage and stand up for what you believe to be right.

When you do enter the work world, I encourage you to find ways to make a difference. Think about your principles, and how you can apply them. Look for ways to tie what you do to a higher purpose—one that you believe in—one that will inspire and motivate you.

Now I can’t resist giving you another bit of advice – advice that is dear to my heart. Remember to have fun.

We all spend so much of our life at work that we owe it to ourselves to take pleasure in our efforts. Work has to have more meaning than a pay cheque every two weeks.

When I started out, I was determined to enjoy my work. I can tell you that right up until my last day as Auditor General, on May 30th, I still liked going to work in the morning.

Thank you again for the honour you have bestowed upon me. I am always deeply touched when my work, which I feel includes the work of the staff at the Office of the Auditor General, is recognized by an institution of higher learning.

Let me end with one final thought: if you approach your life with the goal of remaining positive and determined, learning all you can, doing your best, holding fast to your values, and believing in your own unique gifts, you won’t have to wait to find success—you will already be successful.

Thank you very much.