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The speaking remarks were delivered bilingually, with portions in English and others French. To request a full English or French version, please contact lg@ontario.ca.
Bonjour! Good afternoon, everyone! Bozhoo!
To those who observe Yom Kippur: G’mar chatima tovah.
Je suis particulièrement heureuse de souhaiter la bienvenue à la très honorable Louise Arbour, gouverneure générale du Canada, pour sa première visite officielle en Ontario.
“Votre Excellence, quel plaisir de vous avoir parmi nous.”
And thank you all for joining us today!
It’s wonderful to see so many leaders here —both established and emerging.
We all know the value of intergenerational conversations.
Younger people can learn from the knowledge and wisdom of those who came before them.
And those of us little while longer can learn just as much from listening to younger voices—especially when conversations reach beyond professional and disciplinary silos, and across communities and regions.
Our exchanges remind us that many of the challenges we face are shared: as individuals, as Ontarians, and as Canadians, who are connected to one another and open to the world.
Our province is defined not only by its beautiful lands and majestic waters, but also by its extraordinary diversity of voices and stories.
Des rives du lac Ontario aux quatre coins de notre province, ces voix sont diverses et remplies d’espérance pour l’avenir.
At the heart of a healthy democracy, there is dialogue: listening with curiosity, building bridges, and finding common ground as we work towards the common good.
Today, we have the privilege of sharing our voices with our governor general, offering a glimpse of Ontario through the eyes and experiences of people who call it home.
“J’espère que cette rencontre vous permettra de ressentir tout l’élan et l’espoir qui nous portent partout en Ontario.”
And there is another dialogue taking place around us today, a visual one.
The paintings you see here in the Suite were created by artists from across the province, from different backgrounds and with very different perspectives.
We have gathered them as part of our exhibition,
Ensemble! Together!
I hope they, too, spark a little conversation!
Et j’ai maintenant l’immense bonheur de vous présenter la 31e gouverneure générale du Canada.
It is my great pleasure to introduce the 31st governor general of Canada.
She was installed into her new role on June 8th –
Un autre chapitre qui s’ajoute à une carrière absolument remarquable.
Previously, she has served as justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Court of Appeal for Ontario …
As well as the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights and special representative for international migration, among many other national and international appointments.
We are so happy to have her with us today!
Veuillez accueillir …Please welcome …
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour!
The remarks are available in the language in which they were delivered. To obtain an English version or an accessible format, please contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
–
Madame la ministre Kusendova-Bashta, Monsieur le président de l’Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario Fabien Hébert, Monsieur Patrick Breton, président du conseil de l’Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, distingués invités, chers amis de la francophonie,
Très heureuse de vous retrouver pour poursuivre les célébrations du Jour des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes.
Ce que nous avons souligné plutôt ce matin, le rayonnement de la francophonie de l’Ontario, nous allons maintenant le porter plus loin, par-delà nos frontières et vers l’avenir.
Il y a un an, lors du 50e anniversaire du drapeau FO, nous lancions, en partenariat avec l’Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario et avec le soutien du gouvernement de l’Ontario, du Conseil des arts de l’Ontario et de TFO, une initiative artistique et communautaire à l’échelle de la province :
50 ans de fierté! Ensemble pour demain.
Des artistes, des leaders communautaires et des partenaires institutionnels se sont ainsi réunis autour de ce projet ambitieux.
Et au cœur de cette initiative, une conviction a émergé : les 50 ans de notre drapeau devaient être célébrés partout où vit la francophonie ontarienne, à travers la diversité des voix qui la composent et des récits qui la racontent.
L’auteur franco-ontarien Pierre Albert écrit : « la fonction de l’artiste est de susciter et de communiquer à la fois une réflexion, un émerveillement, une ouverture d’esprit, une intuition, une inspiration, un goût de l’exploration, une ferveur de la quête, une recherche et une authenticité. »
C’est exactement ce qui a pris forme dans le cadre de cette initiative : une francophonie qui s’interroge, qui explore, qui se raconte avec et qui rêve de son avenir.
Par exemple, à Sarnia, des élèves sont allés à la rencontre des bâtisseurs de leur communauté pour redonner vie à leur histoire;
À Hearst, des lettres vieilles de près d’un siècle ont inspiré une œuvre théâtrale sur les femmes qui ont façonné le Nord de la province.
D’un bout à l’autre de l’Ontario, ces œuvres vont maintenant témoigner de la pluralité des expériences et des parcours et de l’évolution de notre société francophone en Ontario.
Ce matin, j’ai le bonheur de vous offrir la primeur du catalogue virtuel qui rassemble l’ensemble de ces projets.
Ce catalogue témoigne d’une mobilisation provinciale exceptionnelle.
Et il devient, par le fait même, la pierre angulaire des prochaines étapes : un environnement immersif dans lequel notre francophonie va continuer de se raconter et où le public d’ici et d’ailleurs pourra entrer, au cœur de ses récits et de ses rêves.
En novembre prochain, lors du Sommet de la Francophonie au Cambodge, la francophonie internationale pourra aussi en faire l’expérience et nous pousserons encore plus loin l’expérience en 2028, lorsque l’Ontario accueillera le Sommet de la Francophonie à Ottawa.
Je tiens à remercier celles et ceux qui ont porté ce projet au quotidien : Patrick Ouellet, directeur des communications et des initiatives stratégiques et chef de cabinet adjoint de ce Bureau, ainsi que Lisa Breton et Mathieu Fortin de l’Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario.
Grâce à votre élan visionnaire et à votre engagement, cette initiative voit le jour.
Longue vie au projet immersif : 50 ans de fierté! Ensemble pour demain.
Toronto (Ontario), September 23, 2026 — In celebration of Franco-Ontarian Day, on September 25, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will unveil the digital catalogue for the initiative “Celebrating 50 Years! Shaping the Future Together!”
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, this initiative, led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario and with the support of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council, and TFO, brought together artists, organizations, and communities from across the province. Over the past year, they co-created artistic projects inspired by stories from the past, the voices of the present, and aspirations for tomorrow.
Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario
Media RSVP
Members of the media wishing to attend are asked to confirm their attendance no later than 3:00 p.m. on September 24, 2026, by contacting Laetitia Walbert at: laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca.
To learn more about the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s initiatives and events, visit www.lgontario.ca.
Media Contact
Pascale Guillotte
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
pascale.guillotte@ontario.ca
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TORONTO, September 8, 2026 – The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, is hosting A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, a month-long exhibition presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation and displayed throughout September in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suites at Queen’s Park.
Through educational content and historical context, the exhibition explores the origins and significance of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the lasting impacts of Residential Schools, Day Schools and the Child Welfare System.
The exhibition will be open to visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout September in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Visitors interested in viewing the exhibit are encouraged to plan their visit by consulting this page.
Media Invitation to the Launch Event
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 10 am
Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto
Program: The Lieutenant Governor will formally launch the exhibition alongside Indigenous leaders, community partners and invited guests.
Media: Media are invited to attend the exhibition launch. Photo and interview opportunities available. The launch event is not open to the general public.
About the Exhibition: Presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation, A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th is an educational exhibition designed to foster awareness and understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonial policies on Indigenous Peoples.
To learn more about the initiatives, events and priorities of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, visit www.lgontario.ca.
Media Contact
Pascale Guillotte
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
pascale.guillotte@ontario.ca
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This fall, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario is hosting two public exhibitions that invite visitors to learn more about Indigenous histories and treaty relationships, and to reflect on reconciliation.
September: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Throughout September, visitors are invited to experience A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, an educational exhibition presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation.
The exhibition explores the origins and significance of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, along with the lasting impacts of Residential Schools, Day Schools, colonial policies, and the Child Welfare System on Indigenous Peoples and communities. Through historical context and educational content, it encourages awareness, understanding, and reflection.
The exhibition is open in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout September. Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to consult this page when planning their visit.
The Legacy of Hope Foundation is a national Indigenous charitable organization dedicated to educating Canadians about the history and ongoing impacts of Residential Schools and other colonial policies. Through exhibitions, educational resources, and public initiatives, the Foundation supports greater awareness, understanding, and reconciliation.
November: Treaty 13
During November’s Treaties Recognition Week, visitors are invited to view Treaty 13 at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite from November 3 to 6, 2026. Presented in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Archives of Ontario, and Library and Archives Canada, this marks the first time in recent memory that Treaty 13 has been made available for public viewing in Toronto.
The exhibition features
Together, these historic records document the treaty relationship covering much of the land that is now Toronto and parts of the Greater Toronto Area.
Treaties are more than historical documents. They are living agreements that continue to shape relationships and responsibilities today. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on its enduring significance and deepen understanding of treaty relationships in Ontario.
To explore where Treaty 13 fits within the broader treaty landscape, consult the Government of Ontario’s Map of Ontario treaties and reserves.
The exhibition is open Monday, November 2 and Tuesday November 3, from 1 to 3 pm, and from November 4 to 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Please consult this page when planning your visit.
We invite visitors to explore these two exhibitions. Learning about the past is an important step toward advancing reconciliation and honouring the resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
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The speaking remarks were delivered bilingually, with portions in English and others French. To request a full English or French version, please contact lg@ontario.ca.
OPENING
Bonjour! Good afternoon! Bozhoo!
C’est un véritable plaisir d’être de retour parmi vous. Merci d’avoir répondu à notre invitation. C’est toujours inspirant d’être ensemble.
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin people, and to pay my respects to their stewardship of these lands. Je reconnais également la présence et les contributions passées et présentes de nombreux peuples autochtones à ce territoire.
And now, I’d like to start with a quick story.
Before my time as lieutenant governor, when I was working here in Ottawa as the director of education of the public French school board – CEPEO – we organized monthly parents’ council meetings.
We found that, in some communities, very few women were attending. Eventually, we realized this was because in the evenings, many women didn’t feel safe on public transportation.
So, we allocated a small budget to people for travel by taxi—and women’s participation significantly increased.
The lesson I took away from this is that when it comes to civic space, it’s necessary to think outside the box, in order to reach people whose voices are not well represented.
Unfortunately, even here and now in 2026, this often includes women.
Today, as we discuss the potential for civil society to collaborate with municipalities, let’s think about how to ensure women’s voices can be heard.
At the same time, let’s consider how civic space can foster a sense of belonging that will have an impact throughout society …
And how we can encourage the participation of women, as well as others who may be underrepresented, in all spheres where important conversations take place, and where decisions are made.
Thank you to our partners at Cooperations Canada for organizing this event!
I’d like to turn things over to our moderator, Andy Ouédraogo [weh-drah-OH-go], government engagement and civic space lead at Cooperations Canada. Over to you, Andy!
CLOSING
Merci à nos panélistes pour cet échange aussi éclairant qu’inspirant!
As the representative of the Crown in Ontario, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Andy for moderating, and to Jen and Melissa for sharing your expertise and experiences with us.
Merci encore à Cooperation Canada pour leur appui dans l’organisation de cette rencontre avec vous et surtout pour son engagement à défendre et réimaginer l‘espace civique.
And thank you to all of you for attending and participating!
I hope the conversations that started here in this room will live on in the weeks and months to come, through the connections you have made, and the friendships you have strengthened.
Profitez bien du reste de la conférence. Bonne journée!
Merci. Thank you. Chi Miigwetch.
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The speaking remarks were delivered bilingually, with portions in English and others French. To request a full English or French version, please contact lg@ontario.ca.
Bonjour! Good morning! Bozhoo! Kwe Kwe (koué)!
Je suis ravie d’être avec vous aujourd’hui.
Votre engagement envers vos communautés est inspirant. Chaque jour, vous contribuez à bâtir des municipalités dynamiques, accueillantes et résilientes, et votre leadership est essentiel à la vitalité de notre province.
I would like to begin by recognizing the leaders and staff whose communities have been affected by forest fires, as well as those whose municipalities have hosted evacuated residents.
Thank you for the tireless work you have done around the clock to keep people safe and make sure they have shelter.
Thank you as well to the leaders and staff in Niagara who have been working to help residents affected by the historic flooding in the region.
Today, we all stand in solidarity with you.
L’Ontario est fort quand il est solidaire.
Merci pour votre dévouement exceptionnel.
Merci d’offrir soutien et refuge aux collectivités les plus durement touchées par les feux de forêts et les inondations.
Mayor Sutcliffe, thank you for welcoming us here to Ottawa. And happy two hundredth anniversary to this wonderful city—my city! Today, we “celebrate together”!
Congratulations, as well, to Mayor Josh Morgan and everyone from London, Ontario – on your bicentennial!
Also, this year, we mark the twentieth anniversary of the passing of the 2006 Budget Measures Act, which extended municipal terms from three to four years. And because twenty is divisible by four … we have elections coming up very soon.
It is an exciting time … a time that puts a spotlight on our democratic system.
I would like to commend AMO for the ongoing work of the Healthy Democracy Project to promote civility, and to encourage greater and wider participation in elections.
I would also like to mention another, newer, initiative: Here in Ottawa, in April, Cooperation Canada and Resilient Societies hosted the inaugural Civic Space Summit.
C’est plus de 300 personnes qui ont réfléchi ensemble aux conditions essentielles qui permettent à une société de s’épanouir. Elles ont partagé leurs perspectives avec un objectif commun : renforcer nos démocraties.
The participants, from around the world, shared their perspectives on something that is key to the health of our democracy.
It’s not in every country that people can gather openly to exchange ideas, challenge one another respectfully, and imagine a better future together.
Civic space makes this possible.
For me, one of the most important things that came out of the summit was the idea that we, as a society, and also as individuals, have a responsibility to foster, create, use, and maintain spaces where people can share diverse perspectives.
L’espace civique est un incontournable – un haut lieu où naissent les idées et où se développent la confiance, le dialogue et le sentiment d’appartenance.
C’est aussi un espace où les désaccords peuvent devenir des occasions d’apprentissage et de collaboration.
Civic space can be fostered by physical space—for instance, at the Hub in Chapleau.
This former Anglican Church has been reimagined as a beautiful coffee shop offering fitness spaces, programs for children, a marketplace for artisans, and supports for women.
At the Hub, people come together to have important discussions about their community and make plans for the future—just as they do in other places around Ontario, such as the Centre Pauline-Charron in Ottawa and the MWG Youth & Family Wellness Camp in Kenora.
And civic space can be brought about by digital space, such as online forums and discussion groups that promote connection and build community resilience.
Here in Ontario, we pride ourselves on our diversity. But we must find more effective ways to harness the many perspectives and sets of experience we have among us … and to use them to bring about a truly inclusive and forward-thinking society.
Nous avons de la chance, ici en Ontario !
Des personnes de tous horizons contribuent au bien commun. Cette diversité est une grande force. Lorsqu’elle s’exprime dans un esprit de respect mutuel, elle devient un levier de progrès sociétal.
I hope that the conversations you will be having over the next few days will spark ideas for more places and opportunities for even more meaningful conversations and interactions … between and among the people who live in Ontario’s 444 municipalities.
I look forward to seeing some of you at the women’s networking session this afternoon, where we will discuss the role of civic space. In the meantime, I wish you all an enjoyable and fruitful conference!
Que votre conférence soit des plus inspirantes!
Merci. Thank you. Chi miigwetch.
July 5–7, 2026 — The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will undertake an Official Visit to the City of Kenora from Sunday, July 5 to Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
This marks Her Honour’s first visit to Kenora and provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local and Indigenous leaders while learning from organizations advancing reconciliation, restorative justice, youth wellness, community leadership and regional collaboration.
Please note: All times are Central Time (CT).
Sunday, July 5
Arrival in Kenora
The Lieutenant Governor will arrive in Kenora and participate in private engagements.
Media availability: None.
Monday, July 6
10:30 a.m. – Visit to Kenora City Hall
The Lieutenant Governor will be welcomed by His Worship Andrew Poirier, Mayor of Kenora, for a private meeting and tour of City Hall. Her Honour will also meet municipal staff and members of City Council.
Media: Welcome. Photo opportunities available.
12:00 p.m. – Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre
Joined by Mayor Andrew Poirier, the Lieutenant Governor will attend a community reception with municipal, Indigenous, healthcare and community leaders from across the region.
Among those expected to attend are:
Media: Welcome. Photo opportunities available.
Tuesday, July 7
9:30 a.m. – Visit to the Kenora Justice Centre
The Lieutenant Governor will visit the Kenora Justice Centre to learn about its Indigenous-led restorative justice model. Her Honour will meet with Justice Centre leadership, Elders, members of the judiciary and justice partners before observing the opening ceremony for the day’s court proceedings.
Media: Access is subject to court protocols.
11:30 a.m. – Visit to Makate Waagamichiwanang Gakinaa’amaatiwin Youth & Family Wellness Camp
The Lieutenant Governor will meet with campers, staff and community leaders and learn about the camp’s work supporting youth wellness, healing, cultural connection and community-building.
Her Honour will be welcomed by Stefanie Bryant, Executive Director, and is expected to meet Chief Chris Skead of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.
Media: Welcome. Photo opportunities available.
The Lieutenant Governor will depart Kenora later that afternoon.
To learn more about the initiatives, events and priorities of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, visit www.lgontario.ca.
Media Contacts
Pascale Guillotte
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
pascale.guillotte@ontario.ca
Heather Pihulak, Deputy CAO
City of Kenora
807-467-2295
hpihulak@kenora.ca
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The speaking remarks were delivered bilingually, with portions in English and others French. To request a full English or French version, please contact lg@ontario.ca.
Matin:
Monseigneur Damphousse, Chancelier de l’université
Monsieur le Recteur, professeur Leroux,
L’honorable Marie-P. Charette-Poulin, Parlementaire en résidence
Madame Marie-Louise Perron, gardienne du savoir
Mesdames et Messieurs les membres du Comité d’administration, du Bureau des gouverneurs, du Sénat et du corps professoral,
Mesdames et Messieurs les doyens,
Distingués invités,
Après-midi:
Monseigneur Damphousse, Chancelier de l’université
Monsieur le Recteur, professeur Leroux,
L’honorable Marie-P. Charette-Poulin, Parlementaire en résidence
Madame Lynne Michaud, Présidente du Bureau des gouverneurs
Madame Marie-Louise Perron, gardienne du savoir
Mesdames et Messieurs les membres du Comité d’administration, du Bureau des gouverneurs, du Sénat et du corps professoral,
Mesdames et Messieurs les doyens,
Distingués invités,
Et vous, chers diplômés — vous qui êtes au cœur de cette célébration.
Permettez-moi tout d’abord de vous confier que l’Université Saint-Paul a été un point d’ancrage dans ma vie. Elle a accompagné des étapes importantes de mon cheminement. J’y ai suivi des cours de préparation à l’aide humanitaire et au sacrement du mariage et j’y suis venue à plusieurs reprises pour des célébrations de foi.
Vous comprendrez donc que de recevoir cet honneur de la part de votre communauté universitaire me touche profondément.
Aujourd’hui, c’est aussi mon anniversaire. J’ai 62 ans. Sachez que votre présence chaleureuse et la fierté qui illumine vos regards rehausse vivement ce moment de célébration partagé.
C’est un privilège de prendre la parole devant vous.
It is truly a privilege to stand before you today.
En regardant autour de moi, une évidence s’impose: les honneurs que nous recevons au cours d’une vie nous renvoient toujours à quelque chose de plus grand que soi.
They remind us that no achievement is ever entirely individual.
Ils sont l’expression d’une reconnaissance qui se partage avec la famille, les amis, les collègues et les communautés qui nous façonnent.
Les accomplissements personnels comme les grandes réalisations sociétales, sont toujours le fruit d’un “nous”.
On n’avance jamais seul. Derrière chaque réalisation, il y a des mains tendues, des regards encourageants, des présences visionnaires et aimantes.
Être mieux et meilleur, ensemble, c’est ce qui donne un sens à ma vie.
Becoming better — together — is what gives meaning to my life.
De tout cœur, merci à ma famille au sens le plus intime, à celles et ceux qui me connaissent avant les titres et après les fonctions, et dont l’amour inconditionnel est la fondation invisible de tout ce qui est.
Merci à ma famille élargie, aux amis devenus piliers et aux collègues devenus alliés.
I share this honour with all of you.
C’est avec une immense gratitude que je partage avec elles l’honneur qui m’est fait aujourd’hui.
Vous le savez, l’Université Saint-Paul n’est pas une université comme les autres.
C’est un lieu où la rigueur intellectuelle et la quête de sens se rencontrent, où l’on ose poser des questions difficiles sur la justice sociale, sur l’éthique et sur la place de la spiritualité dans une société pluraliste.
Dans un monde qui fragmente et qui divise, Saint-Paul cultive quelque chose de rare : le dialogue.
Le dialogue entre les traditions, entre les disciplines, entre les cultures, entre les langues.
Saint Paul University stands at a rare crossroads: where faith meets reason, where scholarship meets service, where French and English, old traditions and new voices, come together.
That is not a small thing. In fact, it may be exactly what our world needs most right now.
C’est aussi ce que vous recevez aujourd’hui : pas seulement un diplôme, mais une manière d’être dans le monde.
Chers diplômés,
You have worked hard to be here.
Vous avez traversé des années d’études exigeantes. Certains d’entre vous ont concilié les études avec un emploi, la famille et de nombreuses responsabilités. Certains ont étudié loin de chez eux. D’autres ont persévéré malgré les doutes.
Mais aujourd’hui, vous êtes là.
And yet, here you are.
Votre résilience, votre persévérance et votre engagement vous accompagneront dans les prochaines étapes de votre vie.
Vous rejoignez ce grand mouvement de personnes qui veulent contribuer à quelque chose de plus grand qu’elles-mêmes et rendre le monde meilleur.
Je vous offre une question à déposer dans votre cœur — celle qui habite le mien également.
À qui donnerez-vous une voix?
Pas « pour qui travaillerez-vous » — mais à qui donnerez-vous une voix.
Qui pourra-t-on entendre parce que vous serez là?
Quelle communauté sera plus juste, plus forte et plus belle grâce à votre engagement?
You have been given an extraordinary gift — not just a degree, but a way of thinking about what is right, what is just, what is worth fighting for.
The world does not lack clever people. It lacks people with both the knowledge and the courage to act on what they know.
My wish to you all : Be these people.
Ontario, Canada and the world is better because of each one of you. Thanks to your willingness to build something together that none of us can build alone.
En tant que lieutenante-gouverneure de l’Ontario et citoyenne, j’éprouve une grande fierté, mais aussi un profond sentiment de responsabilité envers nos institutions démocratiques, envers la richesse de nos communautés et envers le travail de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones.
These responsibilities belong to all of us.
Ces héritages nous précèdent et nous survivront. Ils prennent vie dans ce que nous choisissons d’en faire.
Le monde a beaucoup à vous offrir.
À votre tour, que lui offrirez-vous pour le faire grandir dans l’amour?
Mon souhait le plus cher est que vous avanciez avec confiance, avec courage et avec la conviction que chacune et chacun d’entre vous peut faire une différence.
Persévérez. Les plus beaux projets de vie sont des récits qui s’émancipent au fil du temps et des choix que nous faisons, parfois audacieux, parfois hésitants, mais toujours porteurs du sens que l’on veut donner à sa vie.
Soyez bienveillants envers vous-mêmes et envers les autres.
Be kind to yourselves, and kind to others.
Créez des espaces sereins autour de vous, loin des distractions. Dans le calme, on entend cette voix discrète, celle du cœur — celle qui nous connaît intimement et sait nous guider.
Soyez solidaires car une main tendue a le pouvoir de transformer des vies.
Embrassez votre vie et son miracle quotidien.
Et laissez l’émerveillement vous prendre à bras-le-cœur, car s’émerveiller, c’est se rappeler que notre humanité demeure porteuse d’espérance.
Maintenant, allez.
Le monde ne pourra que devenir meilleur.
Monsieur le Recteur, merci.
Merci pour cet honneur, merci pour votre confiance, et merci pour ce que vous faites, chaque jour, pour former des personnes qui bâtiront une société plus humaine et plus juste.
Et à vous, diplômés de la promotion 2026, toutes mes félicitations.
Que votre route soit belle, et qu’elle soit toujours guidée par le désir de servir, d’aimer et de faire grandir l’espérance autour de vous.
May your path be meaningful, guided always by the desire to serve, to love, and to bring hope to those around you.
TORONTO (Ontario), June 9, 2026 — To mark International Heraldry Day, celebrated on June 10 every year, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, is pleased to introduce her newly granted coat of arms which was formally presented during the farewell dinner honouring the Right Honourable Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser.
Granted by the Chief Herald of Canada, Director of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the coat of arms reflects both Her Honour’s personal journey and her role as the King’s representative in Ontario, drawing on symbols of service, education, resilience, francophone heritage, and hope.
The design features a mountain shape alluding to the name Dumont (meaning “of the mountain” in French), a fleur-de-lys and trillium symbol recognizing her distinction as Ontario’s first Francophone Lieutenant Governor, and elements representing her children, Canadian identity, and belief in the power of kindness and community. The motto, “Avec espérance et bienveillance” (“With hope and kindness”), reflects a guiding principle that has shaped Her Honour’s work and leadership.
“This coat of arms tells my story, a story of service, learning, family, and belonging. Its symbols carry the values that have guided me throughout my life and continue to inspire me as Lieutenant Governor”, said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “I am honoured to share it with the people of Ontario on International Heraldry Day”.
The coat of arms was designed by Dr. Samy Khalid, Chief Herald of Canada, and painted by Debra MacGarvie, an artist working on contract for the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
“Heraldry remains a living and vibrant tradition in Canada, preserving and celebrating the stories of those who serve their communities and country,” said Dr. Samy Khalid, Chief Herald of Canada. “The Honourable Edith Dumont’s coat of arms was shaped through thoughtful conversations she had with me and her family. I am delighted that Her Honour’s story now enriches Canadian heraldry.”
To learn more about Her Honour’s Coat of Arms, please visit https://lgontario.ca/en/the-honourable-edith-dumont-coat-of-arms/
For additional information on the Canadian heraldic system and the process for granting armorial bearings, visit the Canadian Heraldic Authority: https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry
To learn about the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, whose role is to promote the study and appreciation of heraldry in Canada, visit https://www.heraldry.ca/.
Media Contact:
Pascale Guillotte
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
pascale.guillotte@ontario.ca
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