Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 New Year’s Levee

On January 1, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park opened to the public, welcoming Ontarians to meet with Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and take part in the time-honoured tradition of the New Year’s Levee.   

The custom of the levee originated in France, where royalty would hold private formal morning assemblies. The first levee in North America was hosted in 1646 by Charles Huault de Montmagny, Governor of New France, and subsequent French governors welcomed visitors to Château Saint-Louis in Quebec City to wish them a happy new year. By the late 18th century, during the days of the fur trade, New Year’s Day became a massive day of festivities, involving feasting, drinking, and paying courtesy calls on leaders of forts and trading posts. 

British governors, officials, and commissioned officers continued holding levees through the years. Today, in Canada, such occasions now offer unique opportunities to bring communities together with lieutenant governors, mayors, and other officials. The New Year’s Levee is a time to celebrate and to reflect on the enduring values of connection, kindness, and goodwill that Ontarians hold dear. 

On the first day of 2025, guests of all ages were led through the doors to the Music Room in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite. Gifts and donations of new men’s winter essentials such as hats, coats, and gloves were collected for Haven Toronto, a drop-in day centre that has been supporting unhoused men aged 50 and over since 1933.  

Local entertainers including magician Phil “WonderPhil” Pivnick, pianist Artun Miskciyan, and steel pannist Suzette Vidale performed to delighted guests as they explored the state rooms and learned from volunteers about the Lieutenant Governor’s role as representative to the Crown in Ontario.  

Her Honour, accompanied by her spouse, His Honour Mr. Tony Viscardi, greeted guests in the Music Room, sharing in happy conversation, giving best wishes for the coming year, and posing for photos. Afterwards, visitors were welcome to stay on the main floor for light refreshments. 

With this spirit of community togetherness setting the tone for the year ahead, the Levee once again proved to be a cherished occasion.