Visit to Washington, D.C.

Upon his arrival in Washington, D.C., on September 13, 2017, the Governor General was greeted by General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Mr. David MacNaughton, Ambassador of Canada to the United States.

During this visit, His Excellency invested Mr. Ronald J. Daniels as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Ron Daniels is a leader in North America’s university sector. During his tenure as the dean of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, he transformed the school into one of the pre-eminent institutions of its kind. He started Pro Bono Students Canada to provide free legal assistance to local, community-based organizations, and made major contributions to public policy as chair of the Ontario Task Force on Securities Regulation and as an advisor to the Ontario Government. His commitment to academic excellence continues in his role as president of Johns Hopkins University.

Le gouvernor general also met privately with Mr. David MacNaughton, Ambassador of Canada to the United States.

"Our two countries are indeed partners in defence," said the Governor General during the Partners in Defence Reception. "This is my seventh visit to the United States as governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, and during those trips, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the close co-operation that exists between our respective armed forces on a number of occasions."

Between December 2015 and January 2016, Major Harmon, then Captain, demonstrated great leadership and initiative as the re-integration specialist of a Canadian citizen held hostage in Afghanistan. She designed and implemented a psychological support package, which laid the groundwork for the recovery of this Canadian and of future hostages. Major Harmon’s professionalism and dedication greatly contributed to enhancing relations between Canada and the United States.

From 2013 to 2015, Colonel Stewart consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and outstanding professionalism as deputy chief of staff operations at the Canadian Joint Operations Command in Ottawa, Ontario. Moreover, his work ethic, planning and organizational skills enabled him to make a direct and meaningful contribution to Canadian Armed Forces’ domestic and expeditionary operational success. Colonel Stewart's dedication and commitment has brought great honour and recognition to Canada.

During this reception, His Excellency presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Major Jessica Harmon and Colonel Jeffery Stewart, members of the United States Army.

The Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.