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March 19, 2009 OTTAWA— An expression of diversity and dialogue, of co-operation and understanding, Journée internationale de la Francophonie reminds us that around the world, in a language at once colourful and precise, poetic and learned, strong bonds of friendship and solidarity are being forged t...

March 20, 2009 OTTAWA—My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are sorry and deeply saddened to learn that four members of the Canadian Forces and the Afghan interpreter accompanying them were killed, and eight of their comrades in arms wounded under tragic circumstances in Afghanistan. Master Corporal S...

April 3, 2009 The territory of Nunavut is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, and I would add, this year, 2009. This historic event in our country marks an important step in this ongoing adventure that is so full of promise. I have vivid memories of the Nunavut’s creation in the spring of 19...

April 14, 2009 OTTAWA— My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Trooper Karine Blais from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group, based in Valcartier, Quebec. The vehicle she was in exploded upon striking an improvised explosive device in the Sha...

April 17, 2009 In the midst of the current economic turmoil, or even when life just gets you down, the work, support or simple smile of a volunteer can bring a ray of sunshine to warm the heart and rekindle hope. That is why I am so pleased to celebrate National Volunteer Week and particularly to pa...

April 20, 2009 History teaches us that inhumanity and intolerance thrive in silence. Today, on Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember those who were lost to us, and recall a dark time that changed the world as we knew it. Every year, people gather together, in Canada, in Europe, in Israel, and around t...

April 24, 2009 OTTAWA— While in Ukraine on a State Visit, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I learned of the tragic death of Major Michelle Mendes, based in Ottawa, Ontario, yesterday in Afghanistan. Every day, our soldiers serving there are put to the test, both physically and psychologically. The ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

July 9, 2006 “It was with deep emotion that my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I learned, during our first regional visit to Newfoundland-and-Labrador, of the death of Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca, a reservist from the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Corporal Boneca succumb...

July 22, 2006 “My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were very saddened to learn today in Italy about the incident near Kandahar, Afghanistan that cost the lives of Corporal Francisco Gomez and Corporal Jason Patrick Warren and that also injured eight other Canadian military personnel. The increasing ...

July 30, 2006 It has now been confirmed that Canadian Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener was one of the four soldiers posted to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in South Lebanon whose lives were tragically cut short on July 25. This sad news underlines the deep concerns raised by ...

August 3, 2006 “Today, Jean-Daniel and I share the grief of a nation. It was with great sorrow that we learned of the death of four of our soldiers and of the injuries sustained by a number of their comrades-in-arms during attacks by Taliban militia in and around Kandahar. Our thoughts are also with...

August 5, 2006 Today, we regrettably learned that Master Corporal Raymond Arndt lost his life in Afghanistan in a road accident involving a supply convoy and a civilian truck, which also injured three of his comrades. As Canadians, we are becoming increasingly conscious of the commitment that our so...