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January 28, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage OTTAWA—On January 28, 1916, women won the right to vote in the Province of Manitoba. It started a domino effect across the country, as one province and then the next introduced women’s ...

February 1, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Black History Month OTTAWA—I am pleased to highlight Black History Month in Canada. A true driving force in our communities, black Canadians are an invaluable part of our country. It is incumbent upon us all to recognize...

March 8, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of International Women’s Day OTTAWA—Ability should not be defined by gender, nor should compassion, intelligence or leadership. Unfortunately, many women still face unfair treatment and discrimination due to the simple fact of...

March 14, 2016 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of Commonwealth Day OTTAWA—The theme of this year’s Commonwealth Day is “An Inclusive Commonwealth.” In 1931, Canada joined this association that today includes 53 countries. I...

March 20, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canadaon the Occasion of the Journée internationale de la Francophonie OTTAWA—For 274 million Francophones across five continents, March 20 is a day to celebrate the French language and the diversity of their many cultures. This year’s theme, “Le p...

March 21, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination OTTAWA—Racism has no place in the smart and caring society to which we aspire, yet millions of people are confronted with racism each day. Nearly 50 years ...

March 22, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada Following Brussels Attacks OTTAWA?This morning, we awoke to startling and horrible news from Brussels. The loss of life in this attack is heartbreaking. The resolve of the people of Belgium, however, remains strong. Sharon and I remember wit...

April 10, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canadaon the Occasion of National Volunteer Week OTTAWA— Happy National Volunteer Week, Canada! Everybody knows this week is all about giving, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why giving matters? You may answer: Because giving your time, t...

April 21, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday OTTAWA—Few individuals have earned as much of our nation’s respect and admiration as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Today, on her 90th birthday, Sharon and I would like to co...

May 2, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Mental Health Week OTTAWA—When it comes to mental health, one voice can help break the silence. Now imagine what a whole country of voices could do! This Mental Health Week, Sharon and I urge everyone to add their voices to t...

May 4, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Holocaust Memorial Day OTTAWA— A child asks the questions: Why did six million Jews die? Why were so many persecuted? How many were just like me? We have no answer. At least, no answer good enough. There is no reason beyond h...

May 4, 2016 Message from Her Majesty The Queen on the Wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta OTTAWA—The Governor General of Canada wishes to share a message addressed to all Canadians from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta. “Prince Philip and I were shocked and ...

May 6, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of the Science Odyssey OTTAWA—This year marks the evolution of National Science and Technology Week into Science Odyssey, taking place May 6–15, 2016. I am delighted to highlight this collaborative event being led by the Natural...

May 23, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Victoria Day OTTAWA—It is an honour to celebrate Victoria Day so soon after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday this past April. In view of her extraordinary reign, it is with humility and tremendous ...

June 4, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Health and Fitness Day OTTAWA—As an avid sports and physical activities enthusiast, I am delighted to celebrate National Health and Fitness Day. Taking care of ourselves, keeping active and in good shape: what a gre...

June 5, 2016 Message from the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada on the Occasion of Canadian Armed Forces Day OTTAWA—As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I am honoured to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day. In Canada and around the world, whether contributing to global ef...

June 12, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Public Service Week OTTAWA—Our institutions are a reflection of the democratic values that bind us as a nation and are therefore infinitely precious. National Public Service Week is an opportunity for us to celebra...

June 21, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Aboriginal Day OTTAWA— As we mark the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day, I believe that we still have much to learn about the first peoples of this vast land. This past May, my wife, Sharon, and I met wit...

June 24, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day OTTAWA— It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to everyone taking part in activities marking Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day today. French-Canadian culture—so rich and diverse—is a vibrant part of so...

July 1st, 2016 Governor General's Canada Day Message OTTAWA— They desire a better country. That’s the motto of the Order of Canada, which is of course the centrepiece of Canada’s honours system and a reflection of what makes this country so great: its people. Today, I want to borrow and adjust that ...