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Ottawa, Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Thank you for honouring me with a doctorate. This is a proud moment indeed. Let me begin by acknowledging that we are located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation, a fitting place to reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Report that was released to all...

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...

Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, June 11, 2016 Shakespeare, who died 400 years ago this year, often used the character of the fool to say the wisest things, and one of my favourite Shakespeare lines was delivered by Polonius, who plays the fool in Hamlet. Polonius is speaking to his son Laertes who is lea...

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 I’m pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall for this presentation of letters of credence. We have a long history of diplomacy in this country, beginning with the treaties and alliances signed by European newcomers and indigenous peoples right up to Canada’s presen...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 It is always a pleasure to welcome friends to Rideau Hall. This house belongs to you just as much as it belongs to the incumbents who live here. Having HIPPY Canada in the big house is particularly touching because this is the second round of “Because Mothers Matt...

Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, June 16, 2016 Question: What do the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, neutron stars and the detection of gravitational waves have in common? Answer: Canadian physicists! What a moment you’re having! From the achievements of Art McDonald...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 17, 2016 Everyone in this ballroom understands why the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms includes the following: “Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.” Likewise, you know why the Universal...

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...

Brantford, Ontario, Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Let me begin by acknowledging that this gathering is taking place on the traditional lands of the Six Nations. Twenty years ago, when proclaiming National Aboriginal Day in a ceremony at Rideau Hall, my predecessor Roméo LeBlanc spoke of the great contribut...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 23, 2016 I would like to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. What a wonderful way to celebrate exceptional Canadians! This is a special decoration, as it honours a specific activity or deed. The Meritorious Service Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal give us a chance t...

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...

Fort McKay, Alberta, Friday, June 24, 2016 I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are on Treaty 8 territory. Canadians have a long history of helping each other in times of need. As I often point out, it’s a history that began with the generosity that indigenous peoples showed to newcomers w...

Fort McMurray, Alberta, Friday, June 24, 2016 I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are on Treaty 8 territory. Sometimes, it’s hard to capture what you’ve seen in words. Visiting Fort McMurray in the wake of the wildfires is one of those times. We’ve just taken a brief tour of some of the h...

Fort McMurray, Alberta, Friday, June 24, 2016 I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are on Treaty 8 territory. Canadians have a long history of helping each other in times of need. As I often point out, it’s a history that began with the generosity that indigenous peoples showed to newcomer...

Rideau Hall, Saturday, June 25, 2016 Welcome, all of you! It’s a great pleasure to see you here on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Taking a look around, I see men and women who are a source of great pride to Canadians across this country. Why? Because you’ve all answered the call to service. You’ve serv...

The Citadelle, Quebec, Monday, June 27, 2016 What a pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to the City of Québec and to Canada. I was honoured to attend your inaugural speech at the Presidential Palace in late 2012, as well as the State luncheon you hosted afterwards, and I’m delighted to retur...

Discurso con motivo de la llegada de su Excelencia Enrique Peña Nieto, Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos La Citadelle, Quebec, lunes, 27 de junio de 2016 Es un placer para mí darle la bienvenida a usted y a su delegación a la Ciudad de Quebec y a Canadá. Tuve el honor de asistir a su discur...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 28, 2016 It’s a great honour for Sharon and me to welcome you and the members of your delegation to Rideau Hall and to Canada. I’d like to start by acknowledging that this gathering is taking place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples. Excellency, we are s...

Alocución con motivo de la cena oficial en honor de su Excelencia Enrique Peña Nieto, Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos Residencia del Gobernador General, martes, 28 de junio de 2016 Es un honor para Sharon y para mi darle la bienvenida a usted y a los miembros de su delegación a esta Resid...

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 ...