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Art Matters Forum on Music Toronto, Monday, March 2, 2009 Welcome to this Art Matters forum on the music that brings us together, this time, in the heart of Toronto, a multicultural city like no other. Wherever there is music, walls come down, new possibilities are born, and hope is reignited in our...

International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment,Leadership Development, International Peace and Security Monrovia, Liberia, Saturday, March 7, 2009 International Women’s Day is a call for solidarity that each of us, here and elsewhere in the world, sends out to the four winds. Of course, in this cas...

March 5, 2009 OTTAWA— In Canada, we pride ourselves on believing in gender equality. On believing that women and men should share responsibilities and obligations. On believing in the full emancipation of women and girls, so that they are able to work and give the best of themselves, in every sphere...

Art Matters Forum on Music Toronto, Monday, March 2, 2009 This is the 35th Art Matters public forum, and for the first time we are holding it here in Toronto. During our travels through the provinces and territories of Canada and abroad, the Governor General and I like to hold such forums because th...

March 8, 2009 OTTAWA—My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to receive word of the death of Trooper Marc Diab with The Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, and of the injuries sustained by four soldiers from a roadside blast during their patrol in the Sha Wali Kot District...

March 9, 2009 Commonwealth Day serves as a reminder not only of our past, but also of our growth as a nation. Today is a day to celebrate the unique ties that we share with countries around the word and the history that binds us. Throughout our history in the Commonwealth, Canadians have remained pr...

March 13, 2009 It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the terrible helicopter accident that occurred yesterday east of St. John’s, Newfoundland. The 18 people on board, including two members of the Cougar Helicopters flight crew, 14 workers from the Sea Rose ...

March 20, 2009 An important part of my responsibilities as governor general is to travel on official, State and working visits abroad. This sustained exercise in diplomacy on the world stage gives me the opportunity to see the degree to which Canada is renowned worldwide as a model of social cohesio...

March 19, 2009 OTTAWA— An expression of diversity and dialogue, of co-operation and understanding, Journée internationale de la Francophonie reminds us that around the world, in a language at once colourful and precise, poetic and learned, strong bonds of friendship and solidarity are being forged t...

March 20, 2009 OTTAWA—My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are sorry and deeply saddened to learn that four members of the Canadian Forces and the Afghan interpreter accompanying them were killed, and eight of their comrades in arms wounded under tragic circumstances in Afghanistan. Master Corporal S...

Art Matters Forum Held in Conjunction with the Presentationof the Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts Rideau Hall, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 We are delighted to welcome you to this edition of Art Matters, created as a space for dialogue, sharing and reflection on the arts and culture. T...

Opening of the Spirit of Place: British Columbia Young Artists Exhibition Rideau Hall, Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Welcome to Rideau Hall for the opening of this exhibition by very young artists from British Columbia, who have translated into colour and light the spirit of the place they inhabit and t...

Presentation of the Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts Rideau Hall, Wednesday, March 25, 2009 It is such a joy to welcome to Rideau Hall women and men who are among some of the greatest artists of our time. In this residence, which houses a permanent collection of works by Canadian p...

Art Matters Forum Held in Conjunction with thePresentation of the 2009 Governor General’sAwards in Visual and Media Arts Rideau Hall, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Igniting an electrifying and unifying atmosphere around the visual and media arts. The theme of today’s forum stems from the discussion we had...

Presentation of the 2009 Governor General’sAwards in Visual and Media Arts Rideau Hall, Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Every year, for the past ten years, the presentation of the Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts has marked a high point in the artistic and cultural life of our society. N...

Presentation of Credentials (Kingdom of Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Korea, Republic of Suriname) Rideau Hall, Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Welcome to Rideau Hall, under the auspices of the Thunderbird and the spirit of our Aboriginal ancestors, of the many peoples who are our deepest roots...

Presentation of the Governor General’s Performing ArtsAwards Medallion to Robert Lepage Rideau Hall, Thursday, April 2, 2009 This is not the first time that you have come to Rideau Hall, and it likely will not be the last. The first time was 15 years go. Do you remember? You were receiving the Natio...

April 3, 2009 The territory of Nunavut is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, and I would add, this year, 2009. This historic event in our country marks an important step in this ongoing adventure that is so full of promise. I have vivid memories of the Nunavut’s creation in the spring of 19...

Presentation of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award Rideau Hall, Tuesday, April 7, 2009 I am delighted to welcome to Rideau Hall so many women and men who are known for their willingness to help one another, those whom I consider our everyday heroes, the very foundation and backbone of our ...

Presentation of Decorations of the Association des Scouts du Canada Rideau Hall, Thursday, April 9, 2009 I am filled with a sense of joy as I stand here before you to welcome you to Rideau Hall, beneath the light emanating from this work of art by Norval Morrisseau, the great Ojibway painter, depict...