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Official Arrival of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Rideau Hall, Monday, July 6, 2009 It gives me, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, and our daughter Marie-Éden great pleasure to welcome Their Majesties to Rideau Hall. In fact, I would add that in this case, the pleasure is twofold. Fi...

State Dinner in Honour of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Rideau Hall, Monday, July 6, 2009 In a novel that inspired a recent cinematic co-production between Canada, Italy and Japan, when asked as to the geographic location of Japan, one of the characters raises his walking stick an...

July 7, 2009 OTTAWA— My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I have just learned of the tragic news of the helicopter accident that resulted in the deaths of two of our soldiers and a soldier in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Three Canadian soldiers also sustained injuries. Master C...

OTTAWA— It was with profound sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the tragic circumstances that led to the death of Private Sébastien Courcy, member of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group, based in the City of Québec. While participating in an operation ...

July 23, 2009 OTTAWA— I am delighted to extend greetings to all Gaspesians who, “in a spirit of true friendship, authenticity and beauty,” invite us to celebrate today the 475th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival in Gaspé. What our history books teach us of Cartier’s first expedition in 1534 h...

August 2, 2009 OTTAWA —Words cannot express the pain and sadness we feel upon learning of the deaths of Corporal Christian Bobbitt and Sapper Matthieu Allard, both from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. They were killed on patrol when their v...

August 11, 2009 OTTAWA — The motivational theme the United Nations has chosen for International Youth Day 2009, Sustainability: Our challenge. Our Future, is an invitation to consider the many concerns and ideas young people have in this regard, as well as their initiatives. It is a global challenge...

Youth Dialogue on Peace and Solidarity Edmonton, Friday, July 31, 2009 How are you this evening? It is such a pleasure for me to be back in Edmonton to talk with you—some of our country’s most dynamic and visionary leaders—about building peace and solidarity in our communities. I am happy to do so h...

Grand Rassemblement Jeunesse 2009 Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick, Wednesday, August 12, 2009 I am absolutely delighted to be the patron of such a wonderful gathering. With this patronage, you and I are instantly connected. Just over one month ago, I was in Memramcook, not far from here, to bid a fin...

Plenary Session of the Grand Rassemblement Jeunesse 2009 Tracadie–Sheila, New Brunswick, Thursday, August 13, 2009 Thank you, Alexis. The discussion on identity you are taking part in today did not begin today; nor will it end as soon as you leave. It began when you were children, at the very moment...

Presentation of the Governor General’s Caring CanadianAward and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Moncton, Friday, August 14, 2009 I am delighted that we are able to hold these two ceremonies simultaneously to recognize extraordinary women and men from every generation. Sitting alongside you today are i...

Acadian Flag-raising Ceremony Moncton, Friday, August 14, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden and I are honoured to be here with you at Moncton City Hall for the raising of the Acadian flag on the eve of the 125th anniversary of its creation. On August 15, 1884, Father Marcel...

Opening Ceremony of the 2009 Canada Games Summerside, PEI, Saturday, August 15, 2009 How are you? Are you ready for the 2009 Canada Games? There is nothing better than gathering together to celebrate friendship, excellence and, above all, the dreams of young people across Canada. I look out and what...

September 7, 2009OTTAWA— My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were saddened to hear of the death of Corporal Jean-François Drouin and Major Yannick Pépin, both from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group, based in Valcartier, Quebec. An...

Meeting with Canadian Soldiers Deployed to Afghanistan Afghanistan, Tuesday, September 8, 2009 I have been anxiously awaiting this opportunity to come back here, to this country where your mission has brought you. Particularly given that at this very moment, Afghanistan is going through a pivotal ti...

OTTAWA— It broke my heart today to learn of the death of Private Patrick Lormand of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22 Regiment, based in Valcartier. This courageous soldier died when the vehicle in which he was travelling ran over one of the improvised explosive devices that insurgents use to spread...

Presentation of Scrolls to General and Flag Officers The Citadelle, Monday, September 14, 2009 I am so pleased to welcome you and your families to the Citadelle as you prepare to take an important step in your career with the Canadian Forces. I therefore take this morning’s ceremony very seriously. ...

Presentation of Honours The Citadelle, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 For generations, women and men have been shaping the face of Canada: artists, researchers, thinkers, teachers, students, journalists, architects, law enforcement officials, community workers, citizens from all walks of life who have ...

Presentation of Credentials (Zambia, Thailand,Denmark, Germany) The Citadelle, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 I am delighted to welcome you, Excellencies, along with your families and delegations, to the Citadelle of Québec, the second official residence of the governor general. High atop Cape Diaman...

Youth Dialogue at École secondaire Vanier City of Québec, Thursday, September 17, 2009 I have come here today because I believe in you, our country’s youth. Because I believe in your ability to take action and change things for the better. Because you, the students of École Vanier, École Boudreau an...