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Luncheon Hosted by the Head of Lviv Oblast State Administration Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 25, 2009 It is a tremendous pleasure to be here with you in Lviv, one of the great heritage cities of Europe, one of the greenest cities in Ukraine, and one of the main centres of Ukrainian culture. Govern...

Roundtable Discussion with Non Governmental Organizations Working with Ukrainian Women – Ukraine from a Woman’s Perspective Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 26, 2009 It is my profound belief that women the world over must be sisters, allies, role models and sources of inspiration for one another. In thi...

Roundtable Discussion on Civic Engagement Oslo, Norway, Monday, April 27, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, the members of the Canadian delegation accompanying us and I were just this morning in Ukraine. What we witnessed there spoke of perseverance and miracles. In a country that has known a cent...

State Banquet hosted by Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway Oslo, Norway, Tuesday, April 28, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, the members of the Canadian delegation accompanying us and I would like to thank you for such a warm welcome and for hosting this splendid banquet in o...

Meeting with Business People from Canada and Norway to Discuss Solutions to Climate Change Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Long before the world’s scientists sounded the alarm, our elders among the Sami and Inuit peoples noticed the changes taking place in the Arctic, the region at the top o...

Discussion at the Dzherelo Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 26, 2009 My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, the members of the Canadian delegation accompanying us, and I are all touched by your welcome. From the day they were born, your children have given...

Dinner Hosted by the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Norway Oslo, Norway, Monday, April 27, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, the members of the Canadian delegation accompanying us and I are delighted to celebrate with you the deep friendship between Canada and Norway. A State visit is a ce...

Art Matters Forum: How do the arts sustain local communities? Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Hello and welcome! In this era of globalization, one of the most crucial issues facing humanity is how to live together. My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I both believe that relationships between i...

Reception Hosted by the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Norway Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, the Canadian delegation accompanying us and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for joining us here this evening, in this magical place. Looking aroun...

Luncheon Hosted by Helga Pedersen, Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Tromsø, Norway, Thursday, April 30, 2009 My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, the members of the Canadian delegation accompanying us, and I all consider it a great privilege to be here in Tromsø, the largest city north of the Arc...

Celebration of the Vitality of Canadian Heraldry and the First Twenty Years of the Canadian Heraldic Authority Rideau Hall, Monday, May 4, 2009 I am delighted to welcome you to Rideau Hall, to this historic residence where a wide range of armorial bearings can be found, to celebrate the 20th anniver...

Youth Dialogue on Civic Engagement Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 25, 2009 How are you? Let me start by thanking Tarasova Nich for such a wonderful performance. Please, give them another warm round of applause. It gives me great pleasure to join you this afternoon at my first ever Youth Dialogue on ...

Youth Dialogue on Diversity – Let’s Connect: Youth Leading the Way to a More Inclusive Society Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 How are you? Let me begin by saying how delighted I am to be with you, as we explore together the power of youth to help build more inclusive societies. And what a b...

Presentation of Credentials (Republic of Kenya, Spain,Dominican Republic, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) Rideau Hall, Wednesday, May 6, 2009 It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, your families and delegations to Rideau Hall. I have just recently returned from two State visits: one to Ukraine and th...

Presentation of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Rideau Hall, Friday, May 8, 2009 Today is a day of celebration! Because we have come together to celebrate some of our greatest performing artists. Women and men who, even in these uncertain times, remind us that here in Canada, there is ...

Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala Ottawa, Saturday, May 9, 2009 The Governor General of Canada walks on stage to the sound of music. The music stops and the lights go out. Shh! Long minute of silence. Listen to the silence. Take in the darkness. It is as though the world were devoid of ...

May 14, 2009 Fifteen years ago, the United Nations declared May 15 International Day of Families. Let us make this day an opportunity to reflect on family values in our lives and in our society. The family has evolved considerably, the definition has changed and has sometimes been extended. But one ...

May 15, 2009 Victoria Day provides Canadians with an opportunity to rejoice in our heritage and to pay homage to Her Majesty The Queen. It is also a day to remember past kings and queens who were instrumental in building this country. The Crown in Canada is a vital part of our national identity, and...

Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony Rideau Hall, Friday, May 15, 2009 Welcome to this investiture ceremony, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate excellence in our society and to celebrate women and men whose talent, perseverance and vision are particularly noteworthy. Those who have a passio...

Presentation of the Northern Medal Rideau Hall, Thursday, May 21, 2009 Welcome to Rideau Hall. We have gathered here this morning under the favourable auspices of the Thunderbird and all Manitou spirits that inhabit the water, earth and sky to pay tribute to two northern stars. This painting, born o...