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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...

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...

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...

July 1st, 2016 Governor General's Canada Day Message OTTAWA— They desire a better country. That’s the motto of the Order of Canada, which is of course the centrepiece of Canada’s honours system and a reflection of what makes this country so great: its people. Today, I want to borrow and adjust that ...

August 4, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of the 150-Day Countdown to Canada’s 150th OTTAWA —Today, we mark the 150-day countdown to Canada’s sesquicentennial. For 150 years, we have built strong communities and we have been innovative and compassionate because we desire a bet...

August 15, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of National Acadian Day OTTAWA—I am so pleased to mark National Acadian Day, a day celebrating a people that has faced adversity yet continues to thrive because of its rich and distinct culture, as vibrant today as ever. As ...

August 17, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada Following the Death of the Honourable Mauril Bélanger OTTAWA—Every so often, our lives are graced by the presence of a truly remarkable individual. They teach us invaluable lessons about compassion, fairness and generosity. Their time with ...

September 7, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of the Opening of 2016 Rio Paralympic Games OTTAWA—Greetings to our Team Canada Paralympians in Rio de Janeiro! I look forward to following your progress and to celebrating your successes over the next 11 days. Each of you is an amb...

October 10, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of Citizenship Week OTTAWA— It is a pleasure to mark Citizenship Week. As governor general, I am honoured to preside over citizenship ceremonies, as new arrivals swear their oath and commit to the ideals of Canada. Our nation is know...

October 13, 2016 Message from the Governor General Following the Death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand OTTAWA—Sharon and I were saddened today to learn of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Bhumibol had a long and truly remarkable 70-year reign, during which ...

October 18, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of Persons Day OTTAWA—October 18 will always be an important date in Canadian history. It was on this day in 1929 that women were finally constitutionally recognized as “persons.” Because of the hard work of Emily Murphy, Louise McKi...

November 11, 2016 Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Remembrance Day OTTAWA— Each year, we fall silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We do so to remember those who served our country—those who were wounded and those who never came home. We do so to r...

November 15, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the occasion of National Philanthropy Day OTTAWA— Since my installation as governor general, I have been inviting Canadians to imagine new ways to build a smarter, more caring nation. I recently took part in WE Day Ottawa, where we discussed the...

November 20, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of National Child Day OTTAWA— As parents and grandparents, Sharon and I know that we have much to learn from children and young people. They have such energy, curiosity and inexhaustible resolve to change things for the better. Ensu...

November 29, 2016 Message from the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Following the Death of Captain Thomas McQueen OTTAWA—Sharon and I join all Canadians in mourning the tragic loss of Captain Thomas McQueen, who was killed during an air training accident near the Cold Lake Air Weapo...

December 5, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of International Volunteer Day OTTAWA—International Volunteer Day 2016 celebrates the contributions of volunteers and their commitment to peace and sustainable development. This year’s theme is #GlobalApplause – Give Volunteers a Han...

December 6, 2016 Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women OTTAWA— December 6 marks a dark day in history. Fourteen bright young women were targeted simply because of their gender, and gunned down in the prime of their l...

December 29, 2016 Governor General of Canada’s New Year’s Message OTTAWA—Happy New Year, Canada, and happy sesquicentennial! What an occasion: the 150th anniversary of our Canadian family! This year we celebrate, and we stand at a threshold. We have a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to think ...

December 24, 2016 Message from the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief to the Members of the Canadian Armed Forces OTTAWA—My wife, Sharon, and I would like to send our warmest wishes to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families during this joyous holiday season. We know how com...

December 31, 2016 New Year’s Message from Her Majesty The Queen OTTAWA—The Governor General of Canada wishes to share Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s message addressed to all Canadians. “I am delighted to offer all Canadians my best wishes and congratulations on the 150th anniversary of ...