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The Citadelle, Quebec, Saturday, September 23, 2006 It is both an honour and a privilege for me to present this new stand of colours to the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment. I know that you have been eagerly anticipating this moment and that these colours are tremendously important to you. Tr...

Ottawa, La Cité collégiale, Wednesday, September 27, 2006 Good morning. Thank you for joining us and thank you to La Cité collégiale for so graciously welcoming us here today. I could not have hoped for better. How appropriate that we should launch a new Rideau Hall initiative here, in an institutio...

Rideau Hall, Thursday, September 28, 2006 I am sure everyone here is familiar with the old cliché that Canada has too much geography and not enough history. Of course, we know that’s not true. Take any date on the calendar, and you will find that a number of important or noteworthy events occurred o...

Montreal, Friday, September 29, 2006 I recently read through some of the thoughts penned by philosophy professor Guy Brouillet, who wrote: “[translation] Democracy is a political system whose primary goal is to ensure the security of each of its members through respect for the rule of law.” He added...

September 30, 2006 "My husband, Jean Daniel Lafond, and I, were extremely troubled by the tragic death Friday of Private Josh Klukie of the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, in the district of Panjwayi, province of Kandahar. Today we honour his memory and his commitment to freedom, justi...

October 4, 2006 “My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are deeply saddened by the death of two more of our soldiers in Afghanistan, Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell, both members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ontario. Our thoughts also go out to ...

Rideau Hall, Friday, October 6, 2006 Consider for a moment what has brought us here today. The Order of Canada investiture ceremony is a unique and indeed an ideal opportunity to think about excellence and what it means in our communities. For what is excellence if not diligence and a desire to see ...

October 8, 2006 “It was with great sorrow that my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I learned of the death of Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson from the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ontario, in the district of Panjwayi in Afghanistan. Trooper Wilson was killed by the explosion of an Improvised E...

Ottawa, Tuesday, October 10, 2006 I am very pleased to join you today for the presentation of 412 Transport Squadron’s new Colours. As the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, I of course know how deeply significant this ceremony is for a squadron such as yours. And as someone who has had the ...

Rideau Hall, Friday, October 13, 2006 It is an honour to stand in the presence of heroes. I do not use the term “heroes” lightly. No one who reads the account of your deeds can help but be deeply moved. You have done things that set you apart from your fellow citizens. You did not hesitate to plunge...

October 15, 2006 "My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were deeply saddened to hear of the ambush that took place in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar Province, which claimed the lives of Sergeant Darcy Scott Tedford and Private Blake Neil Williamson, and injured two members of the Canadian Forces. T...

October 16, 2006 “What Makes Us Great Citizens of This Country” “Over the past year, I have had the immense privilege of visiting most provinces and territories of Canada, this vast country that is ours. You have welcomed me, along with my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and our daughter Marie-Éden, with...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Given the strong bond between the Office of the Governor General and IODE, it is a distinct pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall on this auspicious occasion. One hundred years of service to your fellow citizens is certainly something to celebrate. And I think...

Rideau Hall, Wednesday, October 18, 2006 You know, this award is particularly important to me and to all women determined to build a more equal, more just society. Not just because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the work of extraordinary women. But perhaps more importantly because it serve...

Rideau Hall, Monday, October 16, 2006 There is a human need for role models. And, often, the most inspiring role models are living within our communities. Role models come in various forms; it can be a friend who successfully balances a busy career or pursues an education with a fulfilling life as a...

Montreal, Sunday, October 22, 2006 Let’s cut right to the chase. With words that made my blood run cold. “We’re not going to beat you or even threaten you. We’re going to kill you by raping you.” Those words haunt the painful memory of Athanasie Mukarwego. They are the words spoken by the men who ra...

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Your Majesties, it is a great honour and a pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall, and to join in welcoming you to Canada. In a sense, I really should say “welcome back!”, given that this is a return visit for you. Indeed, I see this State Visit, and the fact t...