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Ottawa, Sunday, September 25, 2011 I am honoured to be here to pay homage to the fallen on Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. As a Canadian, and as governor general, I know just how fortunate we are to live in a country where the security and rights of every individual are enshrined i...

Victoria, Monday, September 26, 2011 My wife, Sharon, and I are very pleased to be with you. We are always struck by the beauty of this part of Canada—the rugged, beauty of British Columbia’s mountains, forests and sea. And we are drawn to the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of your First N...

Victoria, Monday, September 26, 2011 It is an honour for Sharon and me to be with you this evening. Our sincere thanks go to our hosts, their Honours, Steven and Gwendolyn Point, and Premier Christy Clark. Sharon and I have had a full and exciting first day in British Columbia. Since we arrived, we ...

Huu-ay-aht Territory, Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Thank you for warmly welcoming my wife, Sharon, and me to your community today. We are delighted to visit the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, and to speak directly with the hereditary chiefs and council about your history and cu...

Vancouver, Wednesday, September 28, 2011 It is a pleasure to be here to address members of the Canadian Club of Vancouver and to continue the long tradition of governors general speaking at Canadian Clubs. Indeed, it is fitting that we are here at the Ismaili Centre, a site that represents the diver...

September 30, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of the 21st International Day of Older Persons OTTAWA— It is my pleasure to celebrate the 21st International Day of Older Persons. At a time when health and physical exerci...

September 30, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of His One Year Installation Anniversary OTTAWA—Sharon and I have always been struck by the beauty and diversity of our vast country, from the time we spent in Sault Ste. M...

Toronto, Monday, October 3, 2011 It is a pleasure to speak at this conference and to all of you, because we all share a similar vision: a strong Canada built with the help of generous people. Canada is a nation of givers. In 2007, 84% of Canadians made some kind of monetary donation. This amounts to...

October 3, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of National Family Week OTTAWA— My wife, Sharon, and I are so pleased to celebrate National Family Week. For us, there is nothing more important than family. We have five daug...

October 5, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of World Teachers' Day OTTAWA— Teachers have always been an incredible source of inspiration for me; so much so, in fact, that I have spent most of my life in universities. To...

Ottawa, Thursday, October 6, 2011 I am delighted to be here today to mark the 100th anniversary of the appointment of Canada’s first judge advocate general. As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I regularly have the privilege of speaking with the men and women of the Canadian Forces....

Halifax, Friday, October 7, 2011 I want to thank you for inviting me here today for this unique and important conference. Many of you know that I strongly believe in the power of collaboration, so it is with great optimism that I join you for these discussions on Atlantic Canada’s place in our chang...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Let me begin by taking a moment to pay tribute to the wonderful contribution to Canada that Dorothy and Izaak Walton Killam made in establishing these prizes. The Killams were truly remarkable philanthropists who strongly believed in the power of higher educati...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, October 13, 2011 Good morning and welcome to Rideau Hall. Duty.Honour.Responsibility. You have aspired to all of these, and they have led you to this moment. I am honoured today, as commander-in-chief, to present you with scrolls, promoting you to the general officer ranks. On...

October 16, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of Citizenship Week 2011 OTTAWA— It gives me great pleasure to recognize Citizenship Week 2011. For me, respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law are the very f...

October 14, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of National Science and Technology Week OTTAWA— One of the pillars of my mandate as governor general is strengthening learning and innovation, two themes that go hand-in-hand...

Rideau Hall, Monday, October 17, 2011 Good morning and welcome to Rideau Hall, home of the people of Canada. It is an honour to preside over this swearing-in ceremony, officially making you Canadian citizens. But what is the meaning of citizenship? I know that the discussions you had here earlier to...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 18, 2011 I am delighted to welcome you here today to commemorate the Persons Case, one of the true landmarks in the history of Canada. The world over, women can be found contributing to every sphere of knowledge and working towards a better future. When women suffer or ...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday October 18, 2011 Welcome to Rideau Hall. I have heard a lot about you, and I am so pleased to finally meet you and your families today. One of my favourite things to do is gather my five daughters and eight grandchildren together and tell them a story. And since we are gathered ...

Winnipeg, Thursday, October 20, 2011 I am delighted be here today for this presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh Awards. During the past year, it has been my privilege to meet hundreds of young recipients of these awards in cities across Canada. Hearing of their achievements and dreams has inspired ...