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June 2, 2006 “To serve one’s country is a noble endeavour. And those who serve in our Canadian Forces demonstrate to all of us a profound belief in the values that we, as a society, hold dear—values of democratic freedom, human rights and a world free from tyranny. These courageous women and men hav...

June 9, 2006 “From coast to coast to coast and even around the world, federal public servants provide Canadians with essential services, resources and information and contribute to the development of economic and social policies that help to better our lives here at home as well as those of our glob...

June 20, 2006 “I am very pleased to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day, here at Fort Simpson, in the Northwest Territories. What a wonderful opportunity to honour the first inhabitants of this great land that we all share today as Canadians and to celebrate the wisdom, cu...

June 22, 2006 “Canada is a country filled with people who are proud of who they are, of their accomplishments, history, uniqueness, spirit of adventure and desire to surpass themselves. Every year, June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is a chance for the people of Quebec and Francophones across this co...

June 26, 2006 "Today’s Canada contains the world. Rich in its demographic and cultural diversity, Canada is a model of openness and harmony in the concert of nations. Bringing together so many cultures and perspectives certainly enriches us all, but it is also a challenge that all of humanity must n...

February 7, 2007 “So much time has passed, so many paths have been cleared… From Josiah Henson, a slave who was sold three times before he and his family found refuge in Canada, where he shared his agricultural knowledge with other former slaves nearly two centuries ago, to Rosemary Brown, who left ...

February 19, 2007 “It is with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Celia Franca. The fame of classical dance in Canada is largely attributed to the talent, tenacity and the generous spirit of this great woman, the first dancer to be invested into the Order...

February 23, 2007 “It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Léon Bellefleur, a great Canadian artist whose impressionist works left an indelible mark on Canada. He expressed himself freely and spontaneously, as evidenced in all his creations, and h...

March 5, 2007 “It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Doris Anderson, a true inspiration for all women. Ms. Anderson left us on the eve of International Women’s Week. From an early age, she refused to accept that women could assume only tradition...

March 6, 2007 “My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were grieved to hear of the incident that took the life of Corporal Kevin Megeney, a reserve member of the 1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders. We salute Corporal Megeney’s commitment and devotion to duty. We also honour our soldiers’ families, w...

March 8, 2007 “I decided long ago that I would come to Afghanistan on this day in particular, the day we celebrate International Women’s Day. It is my way of showing the entire world how much I admire the infinite patience, heroic courage and strong resistance of Afghan women. I came to applaud all ...

March 9, 2007 I am thrilled to join Canadians in celebrating Commonwealth Day, whose theme, “Respecting Difference, Promoting Understanding,” encourages reflection. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to support the spirit of fellowship and solidarity that motivates women and men of all ages all ...

March 21, 2007 Whether it is based on race, gender, religion, language or any other reason, discrimination is an unacceptable behaviour within our society. On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I am very pleased to join all Canadians in taking a stance against racis...

March 20, 2007 The International Francophonie Day is an opportunity to recognize Francophones from around the world—to celebrate the language we all share and to rejoice in the rich cultural diversity of our accents, legends and histories. La Francophonie brings together a global heritage of culture...

April 9, 2007 "My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were filled with great sadness when we received news of the terrible tragedy that claimed the lives of six Canadian soldiers: Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private Dav...

April 12, 2007 “This has been a difficult week for Canada. My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I would like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of Master Corporal Allan Stewart and Trooper Patrick James Pentland. Our hearts also go out to the soldiers who were injured during this i...

April 15, 2007 "It has been over 60 years since the Holocaust and we are still shocked by the cruelty, hatred and heartlessness behind the slaughter of millions of human lives. Today, Canadians join with survivors and the entire world in remembering these crimes against humanity. For Jewish communit...

April 15, 2007 "All over the country, thousands of volunteers offer their talents and time on a daily basis to improve our collective well-being. Without any expectation of recognition and with a determination that we can only marvel at, they help so many Canadians reach their full potential. Every ...

April 14, 2007 “My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to learn that June Callwood had passed away earlier today, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Ms. Callwood was a truly inspiring Canadian personality. We will remember her as a woman with enormous energy who was guided by a ...

April 19, 2007 "Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were so deeply saddened to hear of the accident that claimed the life of Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer in Afghanistan. This tragic accident adds to the heavy burden that our Canadian Forces have recently incurred and reminds us of the dangers that our...