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Rideau Hall, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 Good evening, Queen Elizabeth Scholars and supporters! How far we’ve come since the launch of the program! We established this program to help some of the Commonwealth’s best and brightest grow as leaders and global citizens. And what is our ultimate goal? To hel...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 2, 2016 I’m so pleased to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. I call this place the home of the people of Canada. Today, we bid all of you a bon voyage from your home as you embark on the grandest of adventures: Representing Canada abroad; Promoting Canadian interests; Lea...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 3, 2016 It’s a pleasure to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. Whenever I meet with members of the military, I’m always so impressed by your commitment. It’s not just a job to you. It’s a way of life. You take on the challenges presented to you because you take to heart the ...

Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, June 3, 2016 “The more thou searchest, the more thou shalt marvel.” We passed beneath these words as we entered this impressive building. They have been here since Prime Minister Mackenzie King had them carved into the stone above the entrance following his election in 1935....

June 4, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Health and Fitness Day OTTAWA—As an avid sports and physical activities enthusiast, I am delighted to celebrate National Health and Fitness Day. Taking care of ourselves, keeping active and in good shape: what a gre...

June 5, 2016 Message from the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada on the Occasion of Canadian Armed Forces Day OTTAWA—As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I am honoured to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day. In Canada and around the world, whether contributing to global ef...

Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, June 4, 2016 Thank you, and congratulations to the Parliamentary Press Gallery on turning a spritely 150! It’s wonderful to be part of this grand tradition of the Press Gallery Dinner. Governors general have attended since the early days—and that was no small feat back the...

Kingston, Monday, June 6, 2016 Thank you for your warm welcome. When I was asked by Christine a year ago to be the Honorary Captain to Military Personnel Command, I was greatly honoured. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves to do anything I can to be useful as a military civilian. The milita...

Montréal, Quebec, Monday, June 6, 2016 Thank you for bestowing upon me this honorary degree from your distinguished and innovative school. I’m deeply touched to receive this tribute. I’m honoured to be a friend of Concordia University, one of the most creative, forward-thinking, engaged schools in t...

Ottawa, Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Thank you for honouring me with a doctorate. This is a proud moment indeed. Let me begin by acknowledging that we are located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation, a fitting place to reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Report that was released to all...

June 12, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Public Service Week OTTAWA—Our institutions are a reflection of the democratic values that bind us as a nation and are therefore infinitely precious. National Public Service Week is an opportunity for us to celebra...

Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, June 11, 2016 Shakespeare, who died 400 years ago this year, often used the character of the fool to say the wisest things, and one of my favourite Shakespeare lines was delivered by Polonius, who plays the fool in Hamlet. Polonius is speaking to his son Laertes who is lea...

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 I’m pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall for this presentation of letters of credence. We have a long history of diplomacy in this country, beginning with the treaties and alliances signed by European newcomers and indigenous peoples right up to Canada’s presen...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 It is always a pleasure to welcome friends to Rideau Hall. This house belongs to you just as much as it belongs to the incumbents who live here. Having HIPPY Canada in the big house is particularly touching because this is the second round of “Because Mothers Matt...

Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, June 16, 2016 Question: What do the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, neutron stars and the detection of gravitational waves have in common? Answer: Canadian physicists! What a moment you’re having! From the achievements of Art McDonald...

Rideau Hall, Friday, June 17, 2016 Everyone in this ballroom understands why the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms includes the following: “Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.” Likewise, you know why the Universal...

June 21, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Aboriginal Day OTTAWA— As we mark the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day, I believe that we still have much to learn about the first peoples of this vast land. This past May, my wife, Sharon, and I met wit...

Brantford, Ontario, Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Let me begin by acknowledging that this gathering is taking place on the traditional lands of the Six Nations. Twenty years ago, when proclaiming National Aboriginal Day in a ceremony at Rideau Hall, my predecessor Roméo LeBlanc spoke of the great contribut...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, June 23, 2016 I would like to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall. What a wonderful way to celebrate exceptional Canadians! This is a special decoration, as it honours a specific activity or deed. The Meritorious Service Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal give us a chance t...

June 24, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day OTTAWA— It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to everyone taking part in activities marking Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day today. French-Canadian culture—so rich and diverse—is a vibrant part of so...