December 29, 2015

Governor General of Canada’s New Year’s Message 

Happy New Year, Canada! 

This is such a special time of year—a time to reflect and a time to look ahead at the months to come. 

2015 was quite a year for Canada. 

It was the Year of Sport, and Canadians hosted two major international sporting events: the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

In other spheres, too, Canadians shone brightly last year: I think of Arthur McDonald’s well-deserved Nobel Prize in Physics, an honour that made us all proud. 

Towards the end of 2015, Canadians also became involved in a major international humanitarian effort to welcome Syrian refugees to our country. 

I thank all of you who are showing such generosity to these newest members of our Canadian family. 

Looking ahead to 2016, my message is this: let’s continue together on this bold path of compassion, inclusion, innovation and excellence. 

Let’s continue to demonstrate to the world what a smart and caring nation can look like in the 21^st century. 

Let’s continue to build the Canada we want our children to live in, and our children’s children! 

One way we do that is through innovation, improving the way we do things socially, economically and technologically. And in 2016, I’m looking forward to presenting the first-ever Governor General’s Innovation Awards to recognize excellence in innovation. 

In a world of rapid and profound change, we must continually adapt and improve, and part of doing that successfully means fostering a culture of innovation and celebrating those who lead the way. 

We’re so fortunate to live in this great country. With each passing year, I gain a deeper appreciation of how very precious our tolerant, prosperous and beautiful country is. 

Just one year from now, we’ll be celebrating the 150^th birthday of Confederation, so as we innovate let’s remember to be collaborative and inclusive in our approach, in keeping with the best of our values. 

Now, as always, we’re far stronger when we work together. 

Once again, happy new year! I look forward to seeing you in 2016.  

David Johnston 

-30-

Please note that the video version of this message is also available on www.gg.ca.

Media information:

Josephine Laframboise
Rideau Hall Press Office                              
613-990-9324
josephine.laframboise@gg.ca                                                  

Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.