Whitehorse, Yukon, Monday, July 6, 2015

I’d like to start by acknowledging that this gathering is taking place on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nations.

What a pleasure it is for Sharon and me to be here today for this historic opening.

This truly is a wonderful occasion. Taylor House is a Whitehorse landmark and an important building for all Yukoners, and it’s a great choice for your new government house.

This building truly is one of a kind.

In fact, though architecturally very different, Taylor House reminds me a bit of Rideau Hall and the Citadelle of Québec, the official residences where Sharon and I live and work.

Just as those buildings say “Canada” to me, this building says “Yukon.”

Taylor House will be a most welcoming place for Yukoners and indeed for all Canadians to come together.

As members of the viceregal family, we have as one of our most important duties to bring people together—to connect, honour and inspire the people we serve.

Each year at Rideau Hall and the Citadelle, we host thousands of Canadians and people from around the world at events and ceremonies. It is an immense privilege to do so.

Even—and perhaps especially—in an era of instant, global communication, we must never underestimate the importance of meeting face-to-face at gatherings such as this.

Countless times I have seen the great things that happen when people of different backgrounds and perspectives come together.

Extraordinary creativity can result. New ideas and insights can arise.

And we recognize how much we have in common, despite any differences we may have.

A house like this is a neutral space that can allow people to come together and discover our shared humanity, whatever one’s particular point of view.

Such a space is a valuable commodity in today’s world.

I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone who was involved in this important restoration and opening.

Taylor House will be a wonderful home of the people of Yukon.

I wish you the very best.