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June 11, 2017 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Public Service Week In the nearly seven years that I have served as governor general, I have had the opportunity to work closely alongside some extraordinary public servants. I have seen first-hand how invaluable t...

Moncton, New Brunswick, Monday, June 12, 2017 I acknowledge that the Province of New Brunswick comprises part of the traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy. Welcome, all of you, to this special presentation of Canadian honours. We’re so pleased to be with you in Moncton, ...

Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday, June 13, 2017 I’m pleased to be here to mark the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Today is a day to reflect on the importance of all that you do, and to remember the fallen. What you do it so important. You help us honour those brave individuals ...

June 12, 2017 Message from the Governor General of Canada Following the Announcement of the Chief Justice of Canada's Retirement OTTAWA—Chief Justice McLachlin has served Canada with great dedication and distinction for almost four decades. As the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court of C...

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, June 14, 2017 I acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation. Is this a fair country? Is it ethical? Is it just? Does it practise good governance? Does it protect its most vulnerable citizens, or does it abandon them? The simple quest...

Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, June 16, 2017 I acknowledge that we are gathering today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples. What a journey you’ve been on! You’ve seen this country as few have, and I know you have gained unique perspectives and insights as to what concerns Canadians and w...

Rideau Hall, Monday, June 19, 2017 As we begin, I would like to take a moment to recognize that we are gathering for this celebration of outstanding Indigenous leadership on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. Welcome, all of you, to Rideau Hall for this special ceremony. I’m pleased ...

Rideau Hall, Monday, June 19, 2017 I acknowledge that we are gathering today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. For a century-and-a-half, Rideau Hall has been the home and workplace of Canada’s governors general. History happens here. Rideau Hall is a place where national events, ...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 20, 2017 I acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation, but as you know the story of people in this land goes back much further in time. Today, we reflect upon our history an...

June 20, 2017 Message from the Governor General of Canada on World Refugee Day OTTAWA—Canadians claim more than 200 ethnic origins and speak more than 200 languages. This diversity is our strength as a country, a fact understood by Canadians. When faced with the refugee crisis, we responded with com...

London, Ontario, Wednesday, June 21, 2017 First, let me acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak and Attawandaron peoples. It is wonderful to be back on the Western University campus in London, Ontario, celebrating the graduation...

June 21, 2017 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Aboriginal Day OTTAWA—Indigenous peoples are reinventing and reshaping Canada in profound ways. Twenty-one years ago, when my predecessor Roméo LeBlanc proclaimed National Aboriginal Day, he spoke of the great cont...

Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, June 21, 2017 As we begin, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. And I thank you for inviting us to share in this celebration of Indigenous heritage and culture. Twenty-one years ago, when ...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 22, 2017 I acknowledge that we are gathering today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. What a privilege to welcome you to Rideau Hall and to Canada today. Diplomacy is of great importance in this complex, interconnected world. At its best, diplomacy brin...

Toronto, Ontario, Thursday, June 22, 2017 It’s wonderful to be with you at York University on this great occasion. Let me begin by congratulating all of you who are graduating today. You have worked very hard to be here, and for you, this day is well deserved. Bravo to you all! Thank you for entrust...

Toronto, Ontario, Thursday, June 22, 2017 What a pleasure to be here for this gala evening with all of you. It’s wonderful to see so many bright and energetic minds in the room. To borrow a line from President Kennedy: not since Thomas Jefferson dined alone at the White House has there been such an ...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 23, 2017 I acknowledge that we are gathering today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. Welcome to Rideau Hall and to this presentation of the Meritorious Service Decorations. What an impressive group of people we’ve gathered here today! Aristotle once said...

Rideau Hall, Sunday, June 25, 2017 It’s a pleasure to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall! And welcome as well to the brand new forecourt, complete with a new Fountain of Hope. This is a great test of the durability of these new stones. Hundreds of soldiers and band members all marching in precision, ...

June 24, 2017 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day OTTAWA—It is always a pleasure to mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, a day for Francophones and francophiles like me to celebrate, in myriad ways, a language, culture and heritage that are helping to shap...

Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, June 26, 2017 I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathering today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. How wonderful to see you all! I’m delighted to be here at your national forum, which kicks off an exciting week here in Ottawa at a very spe...