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Rideau Hall, Thursday, November 10, 2016 It’s wonderful to be with you today at Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada. A week ago I was in the Middle East— Jordan, Israel and the West Bank. It’s a fascinating part of the world. And of course, sadly, it’s a troubled one. But one thing we don’...

Rideau Hall, Friday, November 11, 2016 Today, we gather to reflect and to remember those we have lost. And today, we welcome to Rideau Hall Mrs. Colleen Fitzpatrick, the Silver Cross Mother. Mrs. Fitzpatrick is the recipient of an honour no one wishes to receive. She is here to represent all mothers...

Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, November 14, 2016 What a delight to be here with so many globally minded lovers of learning! This is a great occasion for at least two reasons: One, this is the 50th annual conference of the Canadian Bureau for International Education. I’m very proud to serve as patron of th...

November 11, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Remembrance Day OTTAWA— Each year, we fall silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We do so to remember those who served our country—those who were wounded and those who never came home. We do so to r...

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, November 15, 2016 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY When I gave my installation address as governor general, I pointed out that my children had taught me all the important things in life. Sharon and I have five daughters—Deb, Alex, Sharon Jr., Jen and Sam—and I could speak at lengt...

November 15, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the occasion of National Philanthropy Day OTTAWA— Since my installation as governor general, I have been inviting Canadians to imagine new ways to build a smarter, more caring nation. I recently took part in WE Day Ottawa, where we discussed the...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, November 17, 2106 I’d like to start by acknowledging that this gathering is taking place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples. DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM—“They desire a better country.” That, of course, is the motto of the Order of Canada, but what do we re...

Rideau Hall, Monday, November 21, 2016 I’m delighted to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. And, of course, to welcome you and your families to Canada! All of you share a desire to engage with Canada on a variety of topics. And when we don’t see things eye to eye, we always find a way to work togethe...

Rideau Hall, Monday, November 21, 2016 It’s a pleasure to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall and to Canada. I believe that diplomacy plays such a key role in building a better world. Why? Because positive international relations—built on trust and respect—are essential to our collective well-being. T...

November 20, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of National Child Day OTTAWA— As parents and grandparents, Sharon and I know that we have much to learn from children and young people. They have such energy, curiosity and inexhaustible resolve to change things for the better. Ensu...

Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday, November 22, 2016 What an honour to be invited to speak at NRC TechX during this, the council’s 100th anniversary year! I’m very pleased to be here among such talented and dedicated people. You’re among the top project and program leaders in this great organization, and you...

Rideau Hall, Friday, November 25, 2016 Mahatma Ghandi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” All of you have lost yourselves in service to Canadians, causes and neighbours. Now you find yourself here at Rideau Hall. And we have the privileged task of...

Toronto, Ontario, Sunday, November 27, 2106 What a thrill to be here for Grey Cup weekend with all of you! Now, as governor general, it’s very important that I remain non-partisan, and that includes when it comes to picking sides in today’s big game. And no, I’m not just hedging my bets—this is my c...

Rideau Hall, Monday, November 28, 2016 I’d like to start by acknowledging that this gathering is taking place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples. Welcome, everyone, to Rideau Hall for this presentation of the Governor General’s History Awards! And what a perfect place to hold this...

November 29, 2016 Message from the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Following the Death of Captain Thomas McQueen OTTAWA—Sharon and I join all Canadians in mourning the tragic loss of Captain Thomas McQueen, who was killed during an air training accident near the Cold Lake Air Weapo...

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 30, 2016 It was the founder of these awards, John Buchan, who famously said that when it comes to matters of public policy, governors general should stick to the “governor generalities.” Leave it to a writer to come up with that one! And what a writer John Buchan was...

December 5, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of International Volunteer Day OTTAWA—International Volunteer Day 2016 celebrates the contributions of volunteers and their commitment to peace and sustainable development. This year’s theme is #GlobalApplause – Give Volunteers a Han...

December 6, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women OTTAWA— December 6 marks a dark day in history. Fourteen bright young women were targeted simply because of their gender, and gunned down in the prime of their l...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Good morning. I want to start by highlighting the fact that today is a very important day in our nation’s calendar: the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. So before we begin today’s conference, let us all commit to speaking out an...

Edmonton, Alberta, Thursday, December 8, 2016 I am pleased to be here in the traditional territory of Treaty 6, and I acknowledge the Métis people of Alberta, who share a deep history with this land. We’re here in Edmonton for this very special presentation of honours. And what better place to honou...