Search

November 20, 2009 by His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond For this 43rd edition of Art Matters, we will be exploring the identity of our literature and, by extension, Canadian identity. What is it that distinguishes our English literature from that written in the United States or Britain? What is it th...

Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony Rideau Hall, Thursday, November 5, 2009 Welcome to Rideau Hall. I have recently had some lovely and moving encounters. I have just returned from three State visits in South-East Europe, where people from civil society—in Slovenia, in Greece, and particularly thos...

Presentation of the Massey Medal Rideau Hall, Friday, November 6, 2009 Former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King once said that “if some countries have too much history, we have too much geography.” I remembered these words the day I committed the very common mistake—in front of a group of c...

Inaugural Presentation of the Sacrifice Medal Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 12, 2008 When the Allied and enemy forces declared an armistice over 90 years ago, people around the world breathed a sigh of relief. They had paid such a heavy price. The dead and the wounded, both military and civilian,...

Luncheon given in Honour of the Silver Cross Mother Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 I am pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall on this very solemn day. It is the occasion to remember all of the soldiers in their prime who gave their lives for freedom during the twentieth century, one of th...

Dinner in Honour of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are so pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall, Your Royal Highnesses, under the favourable auspices of the Thunderbird, of all livin...

Presentation of Military Valour Decorationsand Meritorious Service Decorations Rideau Hall, Friday, November 13, 2009 We are gathered here today to recognize the high degree of service rendered by our Forces, a service that achieves the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. We have al...

22nd CAPA COA Conference: IN CANADA, “CULTURE” HAS A NEW MEANING(http://www.capacoa.ca) Calgary, Saturday, November 7, 2009 In Canada, the meaning of the word “culture” has changed, as it has experienced a worldwide shift. What it refers to, today, generally goes beyond the confines of art and creat...

Presentation of the Special Recognition of AchievementAward Presented by the National Quality Institute (NQI) Rideau Hall, Monday, November 16, 2009 I am delighted to welcome to Rideau Hall representatives and managers of organizations and businesses known for their commitment to achieving the highe...

Presentation of the Governor General’s Awards forExcellence in Teaching Canadian History Rideau Hall, Friday, November 20, 2009 It is such a pleasure to welcome you to this residence, where history is very much alive in every corner and down every hallway. We have come together this morning to pay t...

Presentation of Credentials (Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Mongolia, Georgia) Rideau Hall, Monday, November 23, 2009 Welcome to Canada. It is a great pleasure to welcome you, your families and members of your embassy personnel to Rideau Hall. Today you cross an important threshold, forging a new, personal bo...

Art Matters Forum held in Conjunction with the Presentationof the 2009 Governor General’s Literary Awards Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 25, 2009 My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I would like to welcome you to this, the 43rd Art Matters forum, the fourth held in conjunction with the Governor Ge...

Presentation of the 2009 Governor General’s Literary Awards Rideau Hall, Thursday, November 26, 2009 I see books as an immense space. An endless field that you, as authors, clear and sow with your ideas. They are eternal spaces where the thoughts of women and men span the ages and continue to light ...

November 30, 2009 Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of World AIDS Day OTTAWA—The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day has to do with human rights, in particular, the right to health and the right to live. We have all witnessed...

Art Matters Forum Held in Conjunction with the Presentationof the 2009 Governor General’s Literary Awards Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 25, 2009 For this 43rd edition of Art Matters, we will be exploring the identity of our literature and, by extension, Canadian identity. What is it that distingu...

Dinner in Honour of Their Royal Highnesses The Princeof Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 A friend of mine is a chef. He was born in Europe but chose to live in Canada over 20 years ago. Once a month, he invites a few friends and other guests to join him aro...