October 20, 2010

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of Canada's Citizenship Week

OTTAWA—The Canadian citizen is not easily defined. Some of us were born here; others have chosen Canada as a home for themselves and their families. Some have seen Canada as a land of opportunity and some as a haven from unimaginable hardship. We are every religion, every background, all ages and, above everything else, we are all Canadian.

During Citizenship Week, I hope that we will all take that extra moment to consider what makes Canada the perfect home. In my mind, home is my family, my wife, my daughters, my grandchildren—they are what makes Canada special for me. As I begin my journey as governor general, I look forward to hearing what makes you proud Canadians. I also am eager to hear from new Canadians on how choosing to become a citizen has changed their lives.

Canadians can achieve anything and everything when we come together as a nation. Citizenship Week is but one opportunity to celebrate what we have collectively accomplished and what it means to be an individual Canadian in our rich and diverse tapestry.

David Johnston

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Marie-Ève Létourneau
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613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca
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