Governor General Reception for Young Leaders Speaking Remarks

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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!