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Toronto, Sunday, August 13, 2006 As governor general of Canada, I wanted so much to be here for the official opening of the XVI International AIDS Conference, which we are honoured to host this year. This conference will give us a wonderful opportunity to form a lasting bond of fellowship. I would l...

Toronto, Friday, September 8, 2006 Jean-Daniel and I are very pleased to join at the Toronto International Film Festival, an event that stands in the front ranks of the world’s film festivals. This venue has established itself as a premiere showcase for some of the world’s most popular films, launch...

Retrospective in Honour of Norman McLaren Toronto, Friday, September 8, 2006 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY I would like to take this opportunity while in such wonderful company to share a few thoughts on the enduring lesson of Norman McLaren’s artistic career. His work is extraordinary, as much because of ...

Toronto, Sunday, September 17, 2006 In the difficult times we are living in, I believe dialogue is our greatest source of hope for today and for the future. I am committed to fostering a conversation among all Canadians; I see that as central to my role as governor general of Canada. Just this morni...

The Citadelle, Wednesday, September 20, 2006 Madame President, it is an honour and a pleasure for me and my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond to welcome you to the Citadelle, in a city whose historical significance for this country and continent you know and understand. Of course, I would also like to welc...

The Citadelle, Wednesday, September 20, 2006 This gathering is historically important because it is the first time that a State luncheon has been held at the Citadelle. My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I could not have hoped for better company in which to begin this tradition than that of a head of...

The Citadelle, Thursday, September 21, 2006 It is a great pleasure to welcome you here to the Citadelle, whose role within Quebec and Canada’s cultural and civic life we hope to strengthen. Steeped in history, this place, overlooking the Saint Lawrence River and sitting high atop Cap Diamant, has be...

The Citadelle, Quebec, Saturday, September 23, 2006 It is both an honour and a privilege for me to present this new stand of colours to the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment. I know that you have been eagerly anticipating this moment and that these colours are tremendously important to you. Tr...

Ottawa, La Cité collégiale, Wednesday, September 27, 2006 Good morning. Thank you for joining us and thank you to La Cité collégiale for so graciously welcoming us here today. I could not have hoped for better. How appropriate that we should launch a new Rideau Hall initiative here, in an institutio...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, September 28, 2006 I am sure everyone here is familiar with the old cliché that Canada has too much geography and not enough history. Of course, we know that’s not true. Take any date on the calendar, and you will find that a number of important or noteworthy events occurred o...

Montreal, Friday, September 29, 2006 I recently read through some of the thoughts penned by philosophy professor Guy Brouillet, who wrote: “[translation] Democracy is a political system whose primary goal is to ensure the security of each of its members through respect for the rule of law.” He added...

Rideau Hall, Friday, October 6, 2006 Consider for a moment what has brought us here today. The Order of Canada investiture ceremony is a unique and indeed an ideal opportunity to think about excellence and what it means in our communities. For what is excellence if not diligence and a desire to see ...

Ottawa, Tuesday, October 10, 2006 I am very pleased to join you today for the presentation of 412 Transport Squadron’s new Colours. As the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, I of course know how deeply significant this ceremony is for a squadron such as yours. And as someone who has had the ...

Rideau Hall, Friday, October 13, 2006 It is an honour to stand in the presence of heroes. I do not use the term “heroes” lightly. No one who reads the account of your deeds can help but be deeply moved. You have done things that set you apart from your fellow citizens. You did not hesitate to plunge...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Given the strong bond between the Office of the Governor General and IODE, it is a distinct pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall on this auspicious occasion. One hundred years of service to your fellow citizens is certainly something to celebrate. And I think...

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, October 18, 2006 You know, this award is particularly important to me and to all women determined to build a more equal, more just society. Not just because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the work of extraordinary women. But perhaps more importantly because it serve...

Rideau Hall, Monday, October 16, 2006 There is a human need for role models. And, often, the most inspiring role models are living within our communities. Role models come in various forms; it can be a friend who successfully balances a busy career or pursues an education with a fulfilling life as a...

Montreal, Sunday, October 22, 2006 Let’s cut right to the chase. With words that made my blood run cold. “We’re not going to beat you or even threaten you. We’re going to kill you by raping you.” Those words haunt the painful memory of Athanasie Mukarwego. They are the words spoken by the men who ra...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Your Majesties, it is a great honour and a pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall, and to join in welcoming you to Canada. In a sense, I really should say “welcome back!”, given that this is a return visit for you. Indeed, I see this State Visit, and the fact t...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Allow me to begin by sharing with our guests that very special connection that you have to Rideau Hall, or at least to one of its former occupants, which you reminded us of this morning. Many of you here this evening may be surprised to learn that this was once...