September 24, 2026
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It is a great honour and an absolute pleasure for me to welcome you here this evening.
Rideau Hall is the home of all Canadians, reflecting the full richness of their cultures and histories.
In a profound sense, it is the home of the Indigenous peoples, as we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. It is important for us to recognize their immense contributions to our country.
Rideau Hall is equally the home of the vibrant Vietnamese community that has been enriching our society for three generations.
Today, there are nearly 300 000 Canadians of Vietnamese descent.
They are the children and grandchildren of the women and men who arrived in Canada in the 1970s. And they continue to make remarkable contributions across all aspects of our collective life.
Among them are exceptional individuals, including author Kim Thùy and Olympic wrestler Carol Huynh.
In Quebec, the province where I grew up, Nguyen has become a very common last name.
Vietnamese culture has integrated so seamlessly into our society that its artists, businesses and culinary traditions have become integral parts of our daily lives.
Canadians’ interest and admiration for Viet Nam are reflected in the fact that many, each year, travel to discover Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and the rice terraces of Sapa.
It is therefore very fitting that, this evening, I open the doors of this home to you and that we celebrate together the deep ties of trust and friendship that bind our two countries.
Our two countries have already accomplished so much together as partners, be it in terms of trade, development or security.
We also share a special bond within the Francophonie, a space rooted in solidarity and openness to the world.
There is no question that we are guided by shared values. Both of our countries are committed to co‑operation, respect for international law and state sovereignty.
Because we understand, particularly in these uncertain times, that lasting relationships built on mutual respect will always be more productive than those built on power dynamics.
We also know that peace, stability and prosperity are based first and foremost on trust among nations and on the willingness to work together.
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in this strong relationship.
New opportunities are emerging for our businesses and institutions in sectors that will shape the future, from sustainable development and innovation to economic resilience and regional stability.
Our partnership is poised to grow even stronger and to help us address the challenges of our time together.
Excellency,
You have arrived in Canada just as our beautiful fall season is unfolding, when the colours begin to transform the Canadian landscape. I can’t help but draw a parallel with the relationship between Canada and Viet Nam.
Just like this season, our relationship is entering a new phase of maturity and trust. The colours are becoming deeper and more varied. Nature is preparing for an even more promising renewal.
Together, let us seize the opportunities before us.
Let us continue to foster a respectful, open and curious dialogue between our peoples.
Let us continue to build a more peaceful, prosperous and resilient future for our citizens.
Let us look to the future with confidence, ambition and friendship.
Because what Canada and Viet Nam have built together is remarkable, but what we can achieve in the years to come is even more so.
Excellency, dear friends,
Let us raise our glasses:
- To our friendship
- To the health of the Vietnamese and Canadian peoples
- And to our future successes!
I wish you a wonderful evening and a pleasant stay in Canada.