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Presentation of the Governor General’sPerforming Arts Awards Rideau Hall, Friday, November 3, 2006 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Since the beginning of this mandate, my wife and I have wanted to create a forum for cultural dialogue, which we felt was a vital part of the presentation of the awards for perfo...

Rideau Hall, Friday, November 3, 2006 I have always believed that the arts and artists themselves should be given a vital place within any community. Vital, because the arts provide a unique outlet for the hopes, fears and desires of so many. Vital, because the arts are the realization of years of s...

Ottawa, Saturday, November 4, 2006 What is the purpose of this gala? Why have we gathered here this evening? Why should we celebrate artists? Why? Because the arts have a vital role to play. Because years of study and hard work deserve to be recognized. Because the arts and artists enrich our lives,...

Ottawa, Sunday, November 5, 2006 The monument we are unveiling today represents four centuries of history. No small undertaking! The choice was narrowed down to fourteen individuals who helped to shape our country. Women and men whose heroism set them apart, from the seventeenth century colonial war...

November 7, 2006 “A symbol of the tremendous dedication and valiant courage of our fallen soldiers, the poppy is worn today as a sign of remembrance of the terrible price paid on the battlefields to ensure our precious freedom. It is a simple flower worn close to our hearts, for we have not forgotte...

Montreal, Friday, November 10, 2006 I am delighted to be here with you today to continue the tradition according to which the Governor General of Canada is your “visitor.” McGill University is one of our oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Its influence has far exceeded our ...

November 10, 2006 “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of our colleague and friend Mary Percy, as the result of a heart attack on November 7, 2006. We all carry the heavy burden of this very sad news. Even in retirement, Mary contributed immensely to the success of ou...

Ottawa, Tuesday, November 14, 2006 I am so honoured to join you today as you celebrate your 10th anniversary and as you prepare to embark on a new and exciting journey as the National Alliance for Children and Youth. When I received your invitation, I was fascinated to read about the extraordinary e...

Algiers, Algeria, Monday, November 20, 2006 At last, I’ve made it to Africa. I have been waiting for this moment my entire life. For me, as a Black woman, this continent where I now find myself, speaking to you for the very first time, is where it all began. My ancestors were torn from their lives, ...

Algiers, Algeria, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 I am honoured to be delivering the opening address at this Canada-Algeria Business Forum. The fact that you have come out in such numbers speaks volumes of the rich partnership between our two countries. And I dare say that now is the time to consider a s...

Algiers, Algeria, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 I would like to begin by thanking Ambassador Robert Peck for hosting this dinner in honour of my State visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. Since my arrival, I have met with women, men and youth who are the very lifeblood of modern‑day Al...

Bamako, Mali, Thursday, November 23, 2006 Good morning and thank you for the honour you do me in allowing me the opportunity to speak to the National Assembly of Mali. I am especially touched knowing that Nelson Mandela is the only other head of State having been given the privilege of addressing th...

Bamako, Mali, Thursday, November 23, 2006 This morning, I had the honour of addressing the National Assembly of Mali to tell the Malian people that my fellow Canadians are proud to walk beside them, hand in hand, toward a world that puts human dignity at the heart of our aspirations. This evening, o...

Bamako, Mali, Friday, November 24, 2006 I am honoured to join you today to take part in the official opening of the Commune 6 Savings and Credit Union, a member of the Nyèsigiso Network. Over the years, Mali and Canada have forged an extraordinary partnership. It is a partnership that believes in th...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2006 "I was deeply saddened to learn, from Ghana where I am currently conducting a State visit, of the death of two of our soldiers in Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm were the victims of a car bomb suicide attack while t...

Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Thank you very much for those kind words, and the warm sentiments expressed about the strong ties between our countries. I could not agree more. Since my arrival in your beautiful country yesterday, I have certainly had occasions to witness the strong bonds o...

Accra, Ghana, Wednesday, November 29, 2006 At the ceremony where he received his Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, Kofi Annan stated that the UN needed a deeper awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion. His words on that day continue to light a path forward ...

Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 It is a great pleasure for me to be here today in the presence of such eminent members of Ghana’s judiciary and students who are already making a name for themselves in the areas of justice and law. As governor general of Canada, I am particularly touched to ...

Accra, Ghana, Monday, November 27, 2006 Ladies and gentlemen, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to be here today! First of all, it is wonderful to be in Africa, a land that I have wanted to visit since I was very young. Since my arrival almost a week ago, I have gained some understanding of the grea...

Ottawa, Tuesday, November 7, 2006 I want to begin by saying “thank you” for that wonderful presentation! Through your songs and dances, you have really captured the history of your school. When I received your letter inviting me to this celebration, I asked myself: why is a 50th anniversary so signi...