Families in Canada Conference 2015

"Families are at the heart of our society and have such critical importance for each and every one of us, no matter what definition of family we use," said Her Excellency. "In the end, love, care and support matter immensely."

Their Excellencies opened the Families in Canada Conference 2015 in Ottawa. This event marked the 50th anniversary of the Vanier Institute of the Family, which was founded in 1965, by Major-General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier following the original Canadian Conference on the Family.

Elder Irene Lindsay gave the Opening prayer.

Susan Aglukark performed the song “O Siem” during the conference.

"There’s no one definition of family—in fact, it’s constantly evolving­—nor is there one particular formula. Whatever their makeup, families remain of great importance to our society," said His Excellency. "That’s why I’ve made families and children one of the pillars of my mandate to build a smarter, more caring nation."

Andrew Solomon was the conference's keynote speaker.