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What a beautiful time of year.

December is a time to look back at the year’s challenges and accomplishments. A time to remind ourselves of what connects us as a nation.

And what a year 2023 has been.

We have stood in solidarity, facing the rising consequences of climate change. We have grappled with the effects of global conflict and the pressures of living in modern times. Yet, we have also witnessed important strides in reconciliation, celebrated new chapters in history and took steps towards making the internet a safer place for women and girls.

I have had the privilege of meeting with Canadians. To visit communities. To honor the people who are turning challenges into opportunities.

People are adapting to change with creativity, resilience and, above all, kindness.

Their stories are poignant examples of the Canadian spirit, and show us that we can each embody the Inuktitut word ajuinnata – never giving up.

Let us commit ourselves to action, and to kindness, no matter how daunting the situation may be.

We all have the power to contribute to the well-being of our country.

In this way, kindness—far from being an accidental act—emerges as a powerful and purposeful choice in the face of adversity. 

As we look to 2024, let us rekindle our connections to one another, and face challenges, change and progress with a renewed sense of unity.

Happy New Year, Canada.

Dear Canadians, 



[Governor General Simon, in French]: Dear Canadians,



[Inuktitut greeting] 

As we embark on a new year, I think back on the significant moments Canadians experienced in 2024 and I invite you to take a moment to pause and reflect.

[Governor General Simon, in French]: As we embark on a new year, I think back on the significant moments Canadians experienced in 2024.

Winter is a time to slow down and heal for many Indigenous communities. In the retrospective atmosphere of the season, I invite you to ponder an important question: As Canadians, what does hope mean to you?

[Governor General Simon, in French]: As Canadians, what does hope mean to you?

[Stéphanie Harvey, in French]: For me, hope is one of the most important things we can have as human beings, as a society and as a community. It allows us to believe that we can have a better world and that we will get there. 

[Eunice Kekumba, in French]: In my opinion, what represents hope for our country is solidarity and resilience.

[Olga Dowling]: For my kids, I hope they never see another world war. I went through one, my parents went through two. That’s a big hope for my kids and I hope that they live a very quiet life, I hope that they continue to do good, and always helping people. That’s what I try to do.

[Governor General Simon]: Hope is looking forward to a better future for the next generation. But hope is now, too. It is about what we do right here, right now. It is about a feeling of connection inside us that keeps us going. 

[Governor General Simon, in French]: Hope is looking forward to a better future for the next generation. 

[Adélaïde Bekono, in French]: Hope for me, as a Canadian since 2011, means a better living environment. 

[Natasha Murray]: I find hope is defiant. You hear so much that people say that, like, you have to pick the lesser of two evils, or, you know, if you do this, if you take this action, it's a waste. But, I can't bring myself to believe that, because if we don't believe that there is something better, then we can't make it better. 



[Governor General Simon]: Over the past year, I have met so many of you. You have filled me with hope. I have heard courageous Survivors of the residential school system share insights about their healing journeys. I am encouraged to see Survivors, Elders and so many people supporting each other as we work to recognize Canada’s true national history. 

[Governor General Simon, in French]: I remain steadfast in my commitment to walking the path of reconciliation with all Canadians. It is a lifelong journey. 

I am also hearing more about remarkable mental health initiatives taking place across Canada. There are also people in Canada who are doing groundbreaking work to make social media platforms safer. Through all my conversations this year, I have witnessed Canadians working to build bridges between cultures and to bring people together. So many Canadians are making great contributions to our country. In different ways, in all fields, they work to build a more inclusive, more connected and more understanding world. 

[Governor General Simon, in French]: So many Canadians are making great contributions to our country. In different ways, in all fields.

As we begin this new year, I would like to convey to you the sense of hope and resilience I felt alongside our Paralympic athletes in Paris in August. Every day, they pushed themselves to be their best. We must do the same. Let us continue building a nation where hope flourishes, and where everyone has a voice.

[Governor General Simon, in French]: Let us continue building a nation where hope flourishes, and where everyone has a voice. 

It is hard work, but it is work worth doing, and it can only be done together. 

[Kevin Raphael, in French]: There's the expression where there's life, there's hope, but for me hope is when we help each other, when we're there for each other in good times and bad. When I see the other person and they're there for me and I'm there for them, I say to myself, that's hope, so that's how it works. Hey, if you need help, call me, I'm here for you, I'm here for you.

[Devin Heroux]: So every day I get to talk to athletes, specifically through the lens of the Paralympians. To me, hope takes form through their journey, there was something in their life that changed the course of their story, but they were able to reimagine it and I think it serves as a reminder to all of us that hope can take form in being ableto reimagine the story of your life.