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In 1972, Her Majesty The Queen granted Royal approval for the creation of three new insignia: the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery. She personally presented some of the first medals in this very Ballroom in 1973, as well as many other honours here in Canada over the year...

Welcome to your new roles, ambassadors from Paraguay, Ethiopia, Georgia, Estonia, Egypt and France, and the high commissioner from Cyprus.

Education is key to reconciliation. We must learn about each other, to reach out to different cultures, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.

Today is about Indigenous peoples. It’s about our true history. It’s about the survivors. It’s about the children who never came home.

It’s a pleasure to be here in Calgary to deliver the LaFontaine-Baldwin lecture. I appreciate the efforts of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and my predecessor, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, and John Ralston Saul, for bringing us all together.

Today, I am here as governor general of Canada to represent my country. I’m also here as an Indigenous person who calls the Arctic her home. I would like to thank Chairman Grimsson for inviting me to speak here today. Iceland has always been so welcoming, to me personally, and to our country.

The Order of Canada is our country’s highest civilian honour. It celebrates the lives, endeavours and success of people from coast to coast to coast and from all walks of life, those who take to heart the motto of the Order of Canada: “They desire a better country.”

Shelagh Grant was more than a historian. She was a visionary who understood that in order to look to a brighter future and in order to improve lives today, we need to have a good grasp of history.

Every year, we use this time to honour those who have served our country in uniform, to recognize our veterans who sacrificed so much for our nation, and to remember the fallen—those who never made it home.

It’s with the greatest pleasure that I welcome you to Rideau Hall for this investiture of the Order of Canada, our country’s highest civilian honour.

Thank you for coming out on a November morning to participate in this run and to support past and present members of our military, and their families.

The History Awards honour those who tell our stories—all our stories—and who are having the hard, but necessary conversations, particularly with young people.

Congratulations on your new roles, ambassadors and high commissioners from Moldova, Switzerland, Korea, Guyana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and North Macedonia.

This year, we are celebrating 75 years since Newfoundland and Labrador joined Confederation. This anniversary is a time to celebrate the past and to look towards the future. Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be leaders in innovation in such areas as sustainable development and ocean science.

Every member of the Forces plays an invaluable role in keeping Canadians safe. Today, we have a unique opportunity to thank General Eyre for his service, while welcoming General Carignan as the next chief of the Defence Staff.

This anniversary of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council is a celebration of all the communities, big and small, that you have made stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous over the decades.

Here you are today, facing off against the best athletes in the world. Many of you have achieved rare feats—and broken world records—in your sport.

Today’s ceremony is a reminder of the importance of strong diplomatic ties. It reaffirms our commitment to working together to address our most pressing global issues.

In Canada, we strive for equality. We welcome new ideas and perspectives. Because we know that everyone has unique strengths and insights to offer.