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The Canadian Heraldic Authority, of which I am the head, marks its 25th anniversary today. Our heralds use their skills and enthusiasm to create arms, flags and badges for families and corporate bodies across Canada. Coats of arms bring together different generations. My granddaughter helped me choo...

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 Good evening everyone, I am pleased to join you for this presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Since becoming governor general, I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of young recipients of The Award in cities across Canada. Hearing of their...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 7, 2013 I am pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada, to recognize truly remarkable acts of bravery. Throughout the first half of my mandate as governor general, I have seen countless examples of Canadians helping others. Ours is a compassion...

Rideau Hall, Monday, June 10, 2013 Welcome all of you to Rideau Hall for this presentation of credentials. Since becoming governor general, I have received many credentials and have had the good fortune to meet with representatives from countries all over the world. I am always fascinated by the fac...

Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Wednesday, June 12, 2013 I would like to thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your community. I have been looking forward to this visit. This place you call home is truly one of the most spectacularly beautiful and rugged parts of Canada. Nunats...

Opening Address at Community-University (CU)Expo 2013: Engaging Shared Worlds Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Thursday, June 13, 2013 Thank you for your warm welcome. I have been looking forward to this important gathering on community-university partnerships. As we are in Newfoundland, I am also consci...

Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Thursday, June 13, 2013 It is such a pleasure to be here with all of you today. Thank you so much for the wonderful musical performance. I very much enjoyed listening to you play. Not only am I delighted to meet you and to see what you are learn...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 7, 2013 It is a pleasure for me to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. I often call this place the home of the people of Canada. For all of you heading out to represent our country, I know that a piece of home will travel with you. Having just returned last month from visits...

July 1, 2013 Message from the Governor General of Canadaon the Occasion of Canada Day OTTAWA—My wife, Sharon, and I would like to wish all Canadians a very happy Canada Day. This day is an occasion to take a moment to reflect on our good fortune as Canadians, and to celebrate. As governor general, I...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 It is a great honour to welcome you to Rideau Hall for this celebration of the very best in Canadian journalism. As a former law professor and dean, and now as governor general, I often speak of my love for the rule of law—by which I mean our legal system centred ...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 20, 2013 Every summer at Rideau Hall, visitors enjoy the sight of scarlet uniforms marching down the driveway. Led by a kilted bagpiper, the men and women of the Ceremonial Guard are part of an annual tradition that has delighted so many. Today’s inspection of the Guard m...

June 21, 2013 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Aboriginal Day OTTAWA— On the occasion of National Aboriginal Day, we celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people that are deeply embedded in our culture and our way of life. This culture a...

June 24, 2013 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day OTTAWA— It gives me great pleasure to greet everyone taking part in activities celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, from one end of the country to the other. The feast day of St. John the Baptist, wh...

Rideau Hall, Saturday, June 22, 2013 It is an honour for me to welcome you to Rideau Hall for this very special event. As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize those who served in the Korean War. To recognize you, who served in Korea wi...

December 5, 2013 Message from the Governor General of Canada Following the Death of Nelson Mandela, C.C. OTTAWA—When history speaks of the very best examples of humanity, we will speak of Nelson Mandela. His life was dedicated to the greater good. He held strong beliefs and did not give up on his dr...

Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, June 27, 2013 Thank you for your warm welcome. I am simply delighted to take part in this conversation on Canada’s 150th anniversary—truly a wonderful milestone for our nation. Today’s gathering marks the end of a series of conferences on this theme held across Canada over...

St-Hubert, Quebec, Thursday, June 27, 2013 I am honoured to join you here today for this very special ceremony. It is a privilege to present Chris Hadfield with the Civilian Meritorious Service Cross. But more than that, it is a pleasure to celebrate his accomplishments. Chris, I have the utmost res...

June 27, 2013 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Canadian Multiculturalism Day OTTAWA—It gives me great pleasure once again to mark Canadian Multiculturalism Day. I have long believed that one of Canada’s greatest strengths is its diversity. Everywhere I have travelled ac...

Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, July 1st, 2013 As I have travelled across this blessed country, I have met with so many Canadians who, like Hélène Campbell, are making Canada a truly magnificent nation. And we are fortunate to have with us today another of these great Canadians! By bringing his life aboard...

City of Québec, Quebec, Friday, July 26, 2013 I am delighted to be here to invest Mr. René Angélil into the Order of Canada as a Member and to promote Ms. Céline Dion to the level of Companion. Congratulations to you both. Throughout my mandate as governor general, I have had the honour of welcoming...