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Citizenship Ceremony Ottawa, Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 I am delighted to be here with you today to share in this memorable moment as you officially join the extended Canadian family. I know just how important this adventure is, having experienced it myself. To leave one’s country of origin to put do...

Canada Day Celebration Ottawa, Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 For nearly four years, I have been travelling back and forth across our country, which is celebrating its 142nd birthday today. And I can tell you that from one end of this country to the other, from Moncton to Fort Simpson, Rankin Inlet to Mo...

July 3, 2009 OTTAWA— It is with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Corporal Nicholas Bulger, killed when an anti-personnel mine detonated near his armoured vehicle while on patrol in the Zhari District, south-west of Kandahar. Corporal Bulger and five of...

July 5, 2009OTTAWA— My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I learned with renewed sadness of the death of Master Corporal Charles-Philippe Michaud, who passed away following injuries incurred in Afghanistan. Master Corporal Michaud, of the 2nd Batallion, Royal 22e Régiment, based at Valcartier (Que.), wa...

Official Arrival of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Rideau Hall, Monday, July 6, 2009 It gives me, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, and our daughter Marie-Éden great pleasure to welcome Their Majesties to Rideau Hall. In fact, I would add that in this case, the pleasure is twofold. Fi...

State Dinner in Honour of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Rideau Hall, Monday, July 6, 2009 In a novel that inspired a recent cinematic co-production between Canada, Italy and Japan, when asked as to the geographic location of Japan, one of the characters raises his walking stick an...

July 7, 2009 OTTAWA— My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I have just learned of the tragic news of the helicopter accident that resulted in the deaths of two of our soldiers and a soldier in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Three Canadian soldiers also sustained injuries. Master C...

OTTAWA— It was with profound sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the tragic circumstances that led to the death of Private Sébastien Courcy, member of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group, based in the City of Québec. While participating in an operation ...

July 23, 2009 OTTAWA— I am delighted to extend greetings to all Gaspesians who, “in a spirit of true friendship, authenticity and beauty,” invite us to celebrate today the 475th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival in Gaspé. What our history books teach us of Cartier’s first expedition in 1534 h...

Youth Dialogue on Peace and Solidarity Edmonton, Friday, July 31, 2009 How are you this evening? It is such a pleasure for me to be back in Edmonton to talk with you—some of our country’s most dynamic and visionary leaders—about building peace and solidarity in our communities. I am happy to do so h...