Search

Port-au-Prince, Monday, May 15, 2006 Thank you so much for inviting me to join you this morning and for giving me the opportunity to take part in a dialogue that is very dear to my heart. Particularly since the theme you have chosen, “peace and tolerance,” is absolutely vital for Haiti’s future. Kof...

Port-au-Prince, Monday, May 15, 2006 I know how cruel a hand fate has dealt you lately. It has already been a year since the fire that completely destroyed the Tête Bœuf market and had a devastating impact on your livelihood left scars in your hearts that will never heal and meant crushing losses fo...

June 9, 2006 “From coast to coast to coast and even around the world, federal public servants provide Canadians with essential services, resources and information and contribute to the development of economic and social policies that help to better our lives here at home as well as those of our glob...

Port-au-Prince, Monday, May 15, 2006 It gives me great pleasure to be here with you today. If you only knew how privileged I feel to mark this solemn occasion in the democratic life of this country, the land of my birth. I would like to tell you a little about my impressions since I arrived. I began...

Port-au-Prince, Monday, May 15, 2006 I am deeply touched by this reception, held in honour of my first visit to Haiti as governor general of Canada. If only you know how happy—and moved—I am to return to the place of my childhood at this defining moment, when this country takes its first determined ...

Toronto, Wednesday, June 14, 2006 … I don’t know where to begin… First of all, allow me to thank Principal Janice Searles, for welcoming me to your school, and for making this day possible. I know the amount of work that has to go into this kind of visit, and I want you to know how much I appreciate...

Toronto, Wednesday, June 14, 2006 Today I would like to talk about courage. The courage Archbishop Oscar Romero demonstrated when he made the fateful decision to stand with the poor of El Salvador against those who oppressed them. I also want to talk about hope. Hope was an essential element of Arch...

Yellowknife, Monday, June 19, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I would like to thank you for this honour in welcoming us to the Legislative Assembly and for giving me the opportunity to speak with you today in this space opening onto the natural splendours of your territory and alive with your...

June 20, 2006 “I am very pleased to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day, here at Fort Simpson, in the Northwest Territories. What a wonderful opportunity to honour the first inhabitants of this great land that we all share today as Canadians and to celebrate the wisdom, cu...

Yellowknife, Monday, June 19, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I would like to thank you for your warm welcome and for organizing this dinner in honour of my first official visit to the Northwest Territories as governor general of Canada. In fact, it is my first visit ever to your territory. F...

Yellowknife, Tuesday, June 20, 2006 I am delighted to be here to launch construction on Bailey House. I was filled with admiration as I learned that we are breaking ground on a shelter that will bear the name of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey who, for many years, opened their home to the homeless and helped th...

Yellowknife, Tuesday, June 20, 2006 How wonderful to be here on this festive evening while outside, the daylight seems as bright as ever! My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are absolutely delighted to be here with you on the eve of National Aboriginal Day. Since being appointed governor general of ...

Fort Simpson, Wednesday, June 21, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I would like to thank you for welcoming us so warmly to Fort Simpson. Having been born on an island in the South, my native Haiti, I am especially moved to find myself here with you on an island in the North. Where the majestic...

June 22, 2006 “Canada is a country filled with people who are proud of who they are, of their accomplishments, history, uniqueness, spirit of adventure and desire to surpass themselves. Every year, June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is a chance for the people of Quebec and Francophones across this co...

Yellowknife, Thursday, June 22, 2006 We apologize for arriving so late this evening. We are also sorry to have missed our planned discussion. We were away in Nahanni National Park and, during our return flight to Fort Simpson, our assistance was requested to search for a missing canoeist, who we fou...

Petawawa, Sunday, June 25, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden and I are delighted to be here to share this family day with you. We are also proud to be here as some of you are preparing to leave for Afghanistan. You will be greatly missed by your families and loved ones. But...

June 26, 2006 "Today’s Canada contains the world. Rich in its demographic and cultural diversity, Canada is a model of openness and harmony in the concert of nations. Bringing together so many cultures and perspectives certainly enriches us all, but it is also a challenge that all of humanity must n...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 27, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall for the opening of the new art exhibition entitled Dialogues: the changing face of contemporary Canadian art. What better way to breathe new life into this institution than to dedicate a...

Regina, Wednesday, May 10, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I would like to thank the lieutenant governor, the Honourable Linda Haverstock, for hosting this luncheon in our honour. I would like to begin by acknowledging the incredible work you have accomplished as lieutenant governor. I am par...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 9, 2006 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are delighted to welcome you to Rideau Hall as you prepare to embark on a new phase in your career. You will soon be called to represent our country abroad and, as such, you will take with you our values and culture, bringing the ...