October 3, 2011

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of National Family Week

OTTAWA— My wife, Sharon, and I are so pleased to celebrate National Family Week. For us, there is nothing more important than family. We have five daughters, who are a tremendous source of inspiration. All of the important things in life, I have learned from them. We also have eight grandchildren, our little miracles, who bring us great happiness. Over the years, some of the best moments of our lives have been because of them.

The family circle is the ideal space in which to begin an intergenerational dialogue, which I believe is so essential to building a smarter, more caring nation. From a very young age, we learn to interact with our peers, to talk about our differences, our perspectives, our points of view. Within that micro-community, we acquire the basic values and principles that guide the choices we make. For me and Sharon, family life is without a doubt the most enriching experience.

I invite all Canadians to take advantage of this opportunity to spend some quality time with their families and to learn to get to know one another better.

David Johnston

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National Family Week takes place October 3 to 9, 2011. 

Media information:
Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-9166
marie-pierre.belanger@gg.ca

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