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June 4, 2009 OTTAWA–During my visits across Canada and around the world, I have had the opportunity to speak to members of the Canadian Forces and their families. Listening to them talk about their lives, catching snatches of conversation here and here, and reading mission reports has helped me to f...

Reception for Outgoing Canadian Heads of Mission Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 4, 2009 It is a springtime tradition to hold a reception at Rideau Hall for the outgoing heads of mission before they set off for foreign lands. And each time, it is a great pleasure for us to help launch this exciting stag...

Investiture Ceremony of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces Rideau Hall, Friday, June 5, 2009 As Chancellor of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall. Too often, we take for granted things that are impossible in so many regions around th...

June 8, 2009 OTTAWA—My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I have just learned the sad news of the death of Private Alexandre Péloquin, a member of the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment. He was on patrol in an area southwest of Kandahar, Afghanistan, when he was killed by an explosive device. The increa...

Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards Gala Toronto, Tuesday, June 9, 2009 It gives me great pleasure, as Governor General of Canada, but also as a former journalist, to present this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to a leading figure in Canadian journalism. Previous recipients of this award includ...

Presentation of the Michener Award for Journalism Rideau Hall, Wednesday, June 10, 2009 My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are delighted to welcome you to Rideau Hall for the presentation of the Michener Award for Journalism, which was named after my predecessor, whose motto was “Truth in the Ser...

Roundtable Discussion to Mark the One-Year Anniversary ofthe Government of Canada’s Official Apology to Former Students of Residential Schools Ottawa, Thursday, June 11, 2009 History will remember the words of sorrow and profound regret expressed exactly one year ago today in the heart of Parliament...

Honorary Doctorate from the Université Laval City of Québec, Sunday, June 14, 2009 It is with great pleasure and humility that I thank the Université Laval most sincerely for conferring upon me this honorary doctorate. I am especially moved because this institution is the first Francophone universit...

June 12, 2009OTTAWA–We are very fortunate in Canada to have such a remarkable public service that is dedicated to excellence, both in terms of the quality of its employees and the work they accomplish with heart and integrity. Every day, these women and men use their knowledge, passion and creativit...

June 14, 2009 Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Corporal Martin Dubé OTTAWA—My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Corporal Martin Dubé, who died as a result...

Presentation of Credentials (Islamic Republic of Pakistan,Republic of Malta, Union of the Comoros, State of Qatar) Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 16, 2009 I am delighted to welcome you to Rideau Hall to receive your credentials and would like to extend a very warm welcome to Canada. From the economic cr...

Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 18, 2009 It is always such a pleasure to celebrate the return of the Ceremonial Guard to Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill. We are joined this morning by members of the public. Welcome, one and all! This year marks the 50th annivers...

Presentation of Decorations for Bravery Rideau Hall, Friday, June 19, 2009 Believe me when I tell you that for me, this ceremony is one of the most moving ceremonies over which I preside here at Rideau Hall. And if it were possible, I would invite everyone to attend who has lost hope in humanity and...

June 19, 2009 Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day OTTAWA — One year after the Government of Canada delivered its official Statement of Apology to the former students of Indian residential schools, we ...

Vernissage for the "Mariage entre le frêne et le bouleau" Exhibit Mashteuiatsh, Quebec, Sunday, June 21, 2009 I would like to begin by telling you how delighted my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden, and I are to be here with you. It is said that only the tree that has withstood the...

Community Feast on the Occasion of National Aboriginal Day Mashteuiatsh, Quebec, Sunday, June 21, 2009 For my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden, and I, it is a great pleasure and distinct honour to share this meal with the Mashteuiatsh community, the Aboriginal people from the Sagu...

June 23, 2009 OTTAWA — Parades and processions, bonfires and fireworks, jigs and hip hop: for 175 years, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations have reflected the evolution of the customs and traditions of the people of Quebec and Francophone communities all across Canada. On June 24, 1834, Ludger Duv...

Discussion on Youth and Regional Vitality Saguenay (Chicoutimi), Monday, June 22, 2009 We are very pleased to again be here among the “bleuets,” as you are affectionately known, in this former pulp mill that has been converted into a museum—an ode, I believe, to your region’s vibrancy. Here, in the ...

August 14, 2009 by Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean On July 31, 2009, I spent two very moving hours at the ihuman Youth Society Arts Studio, in downtown Edmonton. I was blown away by the way in which the caring staff, through ihuman’s arts-based programming, offered compassion, love, support, and under...

February 24, 2009 by Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean This past year was a busy one, full of activity. It was such a pleasure to see the culmination of two years’ worth of planning for the festivities marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec. We wanted these events to bring p...