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Saskatoon, Tuesday, September 13, 2011 In 1979, I was named vice-chancellor and principal of McGill University; I should say I was a very young and naive principal. I was then asked to give a short, warm and inspiring acceptance speech, and so I went with what I thought might work: stand up to speak...

Rideau Hall, Friday, September 16, 2011 It is always a great honour for my wife Sharon and me to welcome the recipients of the Order of Canada and their loved ones to Rideau Hall. As you know, this building and these grounds have been the home and workplace of every governor general since Confederat...

Waterloo, Saturday, September 17, 2011 It is such a pleasure to be here at the opening of the new Stephen Hawking Centre at the Perimeter Institute. Professor Hawking once said that he had one simple goal: “a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.” Perha...

The Citadelle, Monday, September 19, 2011 My wife, Sharon, and I are delighted to welcome you to the Citadelle in the historic City of Québec. This building has been an official viceregal residence since our country’s Confederation in 1867, and the history of this city goes back four centuries to th...

The Citadelle, Monday, September 19, 2011 My wife, Sharon, and I would like to welcome you to the Citadelle, to the City of Québec, and, most importantly, to Canada. There is no doubt that we are living in an increasingly globalized world, one where the affairs of one country can affect the entire p...

The Citadelle, Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Sharon and I are delighted to be here to present the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Military Valour Decorations, Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division), Canadian Bravery Decorations and the Governor General’s Northern Medal. All of you ha...

Lévis, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 It was a great honour for me this morning to follow a long line of governors general before me in becoming an honorary member of Desjardins Group, alongside my wife, Sharon. There is no doubt that countries all over the world are dealing with difficult financial ...

Quebec City, Monday, September 19, 2011 What a pleasure it is to be here today for this presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognize your achievements here at the historic Chateau Frontenac, and in the City of Québec, which dates back even furth...

Ottawa, Sunday, September 25, 2011 I am honoured to be here to pay homage to the fallen on Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. As a Canadian, and as governor general, I know just how fortunate we are to live in a country where the security and rights of every individual are enshrined i...

Victoria, Monday, September 26, 2011 My wife, Sharon, and I are very pleased to be with you. We are always struck by the beauty of this part of Canada—the rugged, beauty of British Columbia’s mountains, forests and sea. And we are drawn to the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of your First N...

Victoria, Monday, September 26, 2011 It is an honour for Sharon and me to be with you this evening. Our sincere thanks go to our hosts, their Honours, Steven and Gwendolyn Point, and Premier Christy Clark. Sharon and I have had a full and exciting first day in British Columbia. Since we arrived, we ...

Huu-ay-aht Territory, Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Thank you for warmly welcoming my wife, Sharon, and me to your community today. We are delighted to visit the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, and to speak directly with the hereditary chiefs and council about your history and cu...

Vancouver, Wednesday, September 28, 2011 It is a pleasure to be here to address members of the Canadian Club of Vancouver and to continue the long tradition of governors general speaking at Canadian Clubs. Indeed, it is fitting that we are here at the Ismaili Centre, a site that represents the diver...

September 30, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of the 21st International Day of Older Persons OTTAWA— It is my pleasure to celebrate the 21st International Day of Older Persons. At a time when health and physical exerci...

September 30, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of His One Year Installation Anniversary OTTAWA—Sharon and I have always been struck by the beauty and diversity of our vast country, from the time we spent in Sault Ste. M...

Toronto, Monday, October 3, 2011 It is a pleasure to speak at this conference and to all of you, because we all share a similar vision: a strong Canada built with the help of generous people. Canada is a nation of givers. In 2007, 84% of Canadians made some kind of monetary donation. This amounts to...

October 3, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of National Family Week OTTAWA— My wife, Sharon, and I are so pleased to celebrate National Family Week. For us, there is nothing more important than family. We have five daug...

October 5, 2011 Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of World Teachers' Day OTTAWA— Teachers have always been an incredible source of inspiration for me; so much so, in fact, that I have spent most of my life in universities. To...

Ottawa, Thursday, October 6, 2011 I am delighted to be here today to mark the 100th anniversary of the appointment of Canada’s first judge advocate general. As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I regularly have the privilege of speaking with the men and women of the Canadian Forces....

Halifax, Friday, October 7, 2011 I want to thank you for inviting me here today for this unique and important conference. Many of you know that I strongly believe in the power of collaboration, so it is with great optimism that I join you for these discussions on Atlantic Canada’s place in our chang...