Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “Four years ago today, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, bringing devastation, heartbreak and senseless loss of life. Every day since, the courage and determination of Ukrainians defending their homeland have continued to inspire people around the world. I have had the honour of meeting refugees who … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “My husband […] and I are devastated by the news of the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims of this senseless violence, and to the entire community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the officers and first responders who … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “My husband, Whit, joins me in expressing our sorrow over the passing of Canadian Armed Forces Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, who died while serving in Operation REASSURANCE at Camp Labrie, on Ceri Military base, Latvia, on Jan. 29, 2026. A young man on his first overseas mission, Gunner Halmagean was … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “It is with profound sadness that my husband, Whit, and I learned of the passing of Catherine O’Hara, a cultural trailblazer and acting legend whose creative genius helped define the Canadian artistic consciousness. Ms. O’Hara was a sparkling inspiration who pushed boundaries and shone a spotlight on Canadian comedy. … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “On this International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, I join Canadians and individuals around the world in honouring the more than six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered during one of the darkest chapters in human history. We also pay … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “Today, on Bell Let’s Talk Day, I invite all Canadians to nurture their mental health with the same care they give to their physical health. I am grateful that both are increasingly being recognized in our society as fundamental aspects of our well-being. Over the last two years, … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “In many Indigenous communities across Canada, women are the heart of the family. They are the life-givers and the keepers of culture. The ribbon skirt has long been a symbol of womanhood, identity and resilience. Its colours and patterns tell the story of the wearer, and connects her … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “As the Holiday season approaches, I wish to express my profound gratitude to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Diplomatic Corps, especially those serving abroad and away from their home during this special time. In a time of global uncertainty, Canada plays a vital role … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “Over the weekend, Indigenous communities witnessed a historic and moving gesture as 62 cultural artefacts were returned to Canada by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. For too long, these artefacts were separated from the Indigenous communities to whom they belong. Now, they have come home to once again breathe life … Read more

Government House

Governor General Mary Simon issued a statement: “The passing of Frank Gehry marks the loss of a true global architectural titan. He was seen by many as one of Canada’s most brilliant artistic minds. The Toronto native’s visionary designs, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall … Read more