Recorded at Rideau Hall, Monday, December 19, 2005

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to offer you greetings as we look back on some of the events that shaped 2005 and called on us all to stand together. This past year will be remembered for its harshness. You may recall that it began on a tragic note with the tsunami that devastated entire populations in Southeast Asia. Several other natural disasters struck other regions of the world. The flooding in Haiti and New Orleans, hurricanes along the Florida coastline, the earthquake in Pakistan, to name but a few.

But it is often in the face of adversity that individuals must rise to their full potential. We have done this. By the thousands, Canadians eagerly and generously answered the cries for help from their fellow human beings.

I recently welcomed back members of the Canadian Forces who are part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team, returning home after several weeks away on a mission in Pakistan, where they worked tirelessly to help ease the suffering of the earthquake survivors.

And we would certainly be remiss if we did not look on the actions of today in light of the sacrifices of yesterday. This past year, we celebrated the Year of the Veteran. I had the immense privilege of accompanying to Normandy members of Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities who fought alongside their fellow Canadians and Allied forces during the two great conflicts of the past century. They, too, answered the call of men and women they did not know, crossing the ocean, sacrificing their youth—at times their very lives—in the name of freedom and justice. I wanted to be with them to right an historic wrong and forever imprint on our memory their priceless contribution.

In my travels across this great country, I have been meeting with Canadians whose commitment, drive, and achievements have greatly impressed me. Women, men, youth—each has dared to dream big, determined to act for the greater good. Against violence, against indifference, against exclusion. To respect others, to encourage dialogue, to demand equal opportunity. I believe it is vital that we bring these efforts together, efforts that are too often put forth in isolation. These individual actions must become our collective strength. This will be my driving force as I move forward as governor general of Canada.

This is also a wonderful opportunity for my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden and me to thank all those who have offered us their friendship and support. We are deeply moved by your encouragement.

May 2006 bring us all peace, health, happiness, prosperity, and serenity. And above all else, that extra measure of harmony that makes each of our adventures in this world so very precious.