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Message from the Governor General

International Mother Language Day

Photo by Patrice Audet

We send out a heartfelt thank you for the message we received from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, The Governor General of Canada.
 

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, The Governor General of Canada Photo: Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall ? Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada represented by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (2010)

[...] One of Canada?s greatest strengths is its rich diversity. We are known throughout the world as a shining example of a truly multicultural society, where respect for others is paramount. I am filled with tremendous pride when I visit communities across the country and meet with citizens whose origins are as varied as the languages they speak. Today ? and every day, in fact ? Canadians are free to celebrate their native languages and to share their traditions and customs with one another. In doing so, we can all learn how much we have in common. [...]

Message in 2015

Message from the Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston

Multiculturism in Canada

During research we have found that Governor General David Johnston has embraced the topic of cultural diversity and language education in previous speeches during several occasions.

Cultural Diversity

In a speech during the Keynote Address to the International Education Strategy Collaboratory Meeting in Toronto on Januray 18, 2012 he encouraged the celebration of our cultural diversity:

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I can reaffirm that diversity is one of the great strengths of our society. Canada has attracted more immigrants per capita than any other nation, and through our approach to multiculturalism, we encourage retention of cultural heritage.

As a result, Canadians speak most of the world?s languages, and we are also home to a remarkable number of cultural diasporas. These two assets give us great global advantage, and I believe we should celebrate our diversity and in fact deepen our embrace of multiculturalism.
[...]

 
The Value of Language

During a celebration for received scholarships through the Science Without Borders program in Sao Paulo on April 27, 2012 David Johnston celebrated the benefit of obtaining knowledge, and mentioned the value of language:

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Learning is the foundation of Canadian society, and our inclusiveness strengthens our learning. For example, our approach to multiculturalism ? which encourages people to integrate while also retaining their cultural heritage ? means that most of the world?s languages are spoken in Canada.
[...]
Every language provides us with another means of understanding. Every culture gives us another way of seeing the world and approaching the complex challenges of the 21st century.
[...]