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TEXT ON SCREEN :

"What is the most important symbol in your coat of arms? ", Rylan, Admiral Collingwood Elementary (Collingwood, ON)

GG Julie Payette: The most obviously that represents me a lot but also that is a first, it has never happened before, there is usually a helmet in the middle of the coat of arms. It's a medieval knight's helmet. But for the first time, instead of a medieval knight's helmet, we put an astronaut's helmet. And for this, I'm very, very proud of, and it's a piece of the coat of arms. But I have to say that in the shield we put the most important symbol, and it's a wing. A wing to allow us to fly, to go higher, the wing of the mothers who keep their chicks, and the wing of the airplanes that allow us to explore and travel. Thank you very, very good question.

Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada, Canadian Heraldic Authority:

So from the moment we knew the name of the Governor General designate, the natural thing to do is to read, to research, to go on the web and to discover more, a lot more about the history of the incumbent. We will have this thirst to see interviews where she would have been, herself, explaining where she is coming from, her past, her family history, but also her ambition -- why did she want to become an astronaut in her case, and what's important to her. The element, that I found the web, was this badge, this patch that she had created herself for her first mission. It has a rocket on it, a small rocket, and inside the rocket is a star, a musical note, a crescent, a rose. And, on the top of the rocket there was a little blue cat. All of the elements have tons of meaning. So, I thought it was very interesting that already in her past that she had the occasion to see her self and design what's important to her.

In her case, what was clear to me is this desire or this acknowledgement of the capacity of the human race of humans to go further, to transcend all boundaries. That was the first thing for sure. Music. Music was another thing because it's very important in her life, and she loves classical music and music is a source of inspiration for her. And, when I was looking at photos of her, the way she looks at people, she has this frank and direct connection. The animal that came into my mind, because I'm looking for symbols of course, was the Canadian lynx. For me this animal is a feline, but it has a way to look at its environment, and it's discreet at the same time so I really liked it.

Once we had the preliminary art, which is approved in principle, there's a few steps to do. So, you have to do the layout first. You have to put it right, and you have to trace the design on it. You will use pencil crayons and tracing paper to do it. This line art will be inked. This is precision work for sure. You need to be trained to do it because you will do it by hand. The base coat will be done with the gold first. You have choice to use yellow, but this document has gold. So you will prepare that, and you will apply the gold, and you will burnish the gold first. And then after that, you will move along the design by adding colours, and you have many choices, you could do it by colour, but you will also try to lock some parts. And, then you will make sure, of course, that the shadows are in place and that the details are right. And your preliminary art will always be your guide. But, the final art is giving you so much more because it's a piece of art, and the preliminary (work) is done by markers. So, yes, there's a difference in between. But, the main importance is that it's made to last, so it will be of course kept preciously. It will be photographed, and it will be made digitally after, but we take the time to paint it by hand for ensuring the quality of the design.

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Text on screen: Magdalen Islands, July 2019

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Drill sergeant makes commands. Cannons are fired.

Instrumental music continues.

M^me Payette speech: I cannot tell you how much of an honour it is for me to be here today as we celebrate 50 years since the re-incorporation of the Royal Canadian Logistics Service. Your professionalism is extraordinary, your efficiency, your excellence, your ability to get things done - all kinds of things.

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TEXT ON SCREEN :

It's early August 1943. The war is raging on many fronts.

Quebec City is alive with activity but cloaked in secrecy.

It is the beginning of the Quebec Conference of 1943. 2018 marks the 75th anniversary of this historic event.

During the conference, hundreds of military advisors are housed at and work out of the Chateau Frontenac.

However, it is the Citadelle of Quebec, one of two official residences of the governor general that plays host to Winston Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and William Lyon Mackenzie King.

They and their families are hosted by Governor General Lord Athlone and his wife Princess Alice.

The Citadelle becomes, as one newspaper of the time put it, "the heart and centre of deliberation."

It is during this conference that the Normandy landings are decided upon, an operation which marks the beginning of the end of the war in Europe.

During the Conference, the Citadelle is also a place where the best of Canada is showcased.

Imagine: in rooms such as these, a colour film about the Group of Seven painter A. Y. Jackson is screened... and Canadian folk songs are sung by Mary Churchill, the daughter of Winston Churchill, and young military officers.

The significance of the Quebec conference was immediately appreciated.

These two-and-half weeks of arduous strategizing were designated a National Historical Event in 1946.

Today, the Citadelle still houses the official residence of Canada's governor general.

Year-round, it plays host to Canadians, honours recipients, international delegates and visitors from around the world.

Seventy-five years after the first Quebec Conference, the Citadelle remains a place where Canadian history continues to unfold.

Mme. Payette speech: It is one of the privileges of being Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces to be able to honour those who have contributed and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And every single time I’ve come back here and saw the maple leaf flying somewhere, it reminds me, a Canadian who’s never seen war, how important it is to never forget. Memory, is not only important for those who have fallen, but it's important for future generations so that we remember the cost of war.

They crossed the pond, the l’océan pour aller se battre pour l’idéal de paix, de liberté. If we work together it's possible that we can say never again, never again.

Thank you to all of you, to the life that unites us.

Text: From Juno Beach to Halifax, our collective duty of memory honours those who have fallen, and informs future generations of the terrible cost of war. Let us never forget.

Mme. Payette:

The Canadians suffered very great losses when they went up from Sicily to the front line, particularly at Ortona in December 1943.

But they continued to fight with the Allied forces until the fall of Rome on June 4, 1944.

Perhaps it was meant to be, all attention was directed to the Italian front as the big day was being prepared here. I've been here in Normandy in my new capacity for 36 hours, but I've been here before and every single time I've come back here I've seen the maple leaf flying somewhere. It reminds me, a Canadian who has never seen war, how important it is to never forget.

And it is one of the privileges of being Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces to be able to honour those who have contributed and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Memory, is not only important for those who have fallen, but it's important for future generations so that we remember the cost of war.

Mme. Payette:

When you grow up in a country that is open and tolerant like Canada, you have no idea what war is like. You have no idea what it is like to live under siege.

We don't know what it is, the horrors, the suffering, the sacrifice from every corner of Canada they came. They crossed the pond. The ocean to go and fight for the ideal of peace and freedom.

Thank you from the bottom of the heart of the country for what you have done for Canada, and what you still do. Thank you all.

Bagpipe music plays.

Mme. Payette: Our armed forces, our soldiers were very valiant and they fought, they stood guard (inaudible) despite the bad weather. I am so delighted, and so honoured, to be here to recognize your service, your sacrifice, and everything that you've done for your country.

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Mme. Payette speech: Today, global issues know no borders and require our full attention. So dare to dream.

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Mme. Payette speech:

Important topics of interest to both our countries. And you know them: economic and social development in the service of the people, the fight against poverty, access to education, a priority in your country that we fully share. The strengthening of democratic values and the importance of the place and health of women.

We have also spoken of the crucial role of science, technology and innovations that are conducive to development.

And we spoke of the security issues that affect you so particularly and for which we are in deep solidarity.

You have civil, democratic, self-serving exchanges that are interesting in terms of guaranteeing the prosperity and development of your country. There is still much to be done, there is still much to be done, but by doing so you are ensuring the future of Burkina Faso and of your children.

Traditional music and singing plays

Mme. Payette: Hi! Hi!

Man: Likes to live!

Children: Yes!

Man: Likes to play!

Children: Yes!

Mme Payette: We live in the North of the planet.

Children wave good bye.

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Mme Payette: Thank you to everyone for all of your sacrifices. You're far away from your family.

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Text on image: Camp Canada Kuwait

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Mme. Payette: And it's more essential than ever that we collaborate to make sure that we leave this planet in good state for the benefit of our communities and for the futures of our children.

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Mme. Payette: It is not important, it is absolutely essential to have a facility like the one we have behind us. Canada has contributed 4.25 million towards this facility, and we will continue to collaborate with you in this important effort.

Mme Payette speaks to students: Do you guys know what this is? A space shuttle.

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Image with text: Cindy Blackstock, O.C Ottawa Ontario

Together with Elders, leaders, children and young people of all diversities, Cindy Blackstock has been an articulate voice in the collective effort to improve conditions for Indigenous children and families.

Speech in video: I'm honoured to be a part of a collective of many people. Not only in this current generation, but the ancestors from the past who have struggled to ensure that this is the generation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children who never have to recover from their childhoods, and a generation of non-Indigenous children who never have to say they're sorry, and so being a part of that collective work and representing that collective work about getting equity for First Nations children, that's why I have the privilege of being in this company today.

Intro: Piano music plays

Voice-over: A scientist, an environmental advocate, Roberta Bondar, continues to inspire Canadians.

Roberta Bondar: It's a historic moment when, for example, there are all women companions and then the Governor General's an astronaut and then the first one up that's a companion is an astronaut, so to me it was a historic time in Canadian history. I mean really, when will we get to that again? So that itself was incredible. I do find events that recognize excellence are one's that make us proud of that person's accomplishment, but also what we can accomplish in the country, and that's what I feel. It's not, it's not just about me as a person, maybe about what I've accomplished, but it's about what we're able to accomplish and the kinds of things that can inspire other people.

Hello everyone!

Have you ever seen the National Film Board film Paddle to the Sea? You know, the 1966 classic? It tells the tale of an Indigenous boy who carved a man in a wooden canoe and set it out on a journey to the sea. We follow the canoe as it makes its way from Lake Superior to the great Atlantic Ocean. An odyssey that shows how we—the people of Canada—are connected by our stunning geography and our love of the land.

More than half a century later, the story of Paddle to the Sea’s adventures still resonates. Because we are indeed all connected. We share values, cultures, interests. And we are fortunate to be tied together by such a diverse, beautiful, bountiful country.

There is no shortage of opportunities in Canada, in the towns and the cities, in the countryside, everywhere, opportunities to explore, to discover and to learn. Learn about ourselves and learn from each other.

I am fortunate to journey from coast to coast to coast and to be able to see how Canadians are connected.

Today we’re on the Rideau. Kayaking.

How fitting for Canada Day to be paddling on a river system that connects the St-Lawrence sea way all the way to the Beaufort Sea, using a brilliant invention of the people of North America’s Arctic. A kayak—a man’s boat—that was originally designed for hunting, highly maneuverable in shallow or breaking waters, perfect to creep over a prey. Now it is also used for fun and sightseeing. The kayak is a tribute to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Inuit people.

I do not know where you will be in Canada as we celebrate the country’s 152nd birthday. I hope you will be somewhere unique and special to you—perhaps

…by a campfire in one of our great parks,

…walking the trails on the West coast or the East coast,

…watching a game, or fireworks in Toronto,

…sitting with a friend at a café in Montréal or Saskatoon,

…or enjoying one of the countless lakes and rivers that knit our country together.

I hope you are out and about, regardless of what Mother Nature sends our way.

After all, we are a land of four solid seasons and it is not a little rain or a little snow that will stop us. In fact, that is another of our connections. Nothing brings Canadians together like a good discussion about our weather—and this year, we’ve certainly seen it all!

Whether you were born here or chose to come and live here, wherever you happen to be, Canada Day is your celebration.

It is about coming together in our communities, with friends, neighbours and family. To celebrate this life we share. To celebrate who we are.

Rain or shine.

And so it’s from a kayak on the banks of the Rideau River that I wish you all the best on this Canada Day.