Johnston officially sworn in as Canada’s 28th Governor General
Posted Oct 1, 2010 11:52:04 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
David Johnston was sworn in as the Governor General of Canada only this morning, and he is already looking to the future.
The former University of Waterloo President spoke of what kind of a country we want when Canada turns 150 years old in 2017.
Johnston says it is essential to support families and children; reinforce learning and innovation; and encourage philanthropy and volunteerism.
He says he wants to “serve as a bridge to the next generation” in his role as Governor General.
Johnston was sure to mention the two decades he and his family lived in Montreal, and how much they love the French culture and language.
Johnston says he wants to meet families from all walks of life, including the families of those who have served in Afghanistan, First Nations families, and new families to Canada.
Johnston went on to say all Canadians must have equal access to education, and we must “cherish our teachers.”
Johnston tipped his hat to Waterloo-based Research In Motion as an example of innovation, and how that innovation made “BlackBerry” a household expression.
Johnston mentioned Terry Fox and Rick Hansen as examples of volunteerism.
He also mentioned the Mennonite farm families and their barn-raisings in the community around Heidelberg where he and his wife Sharon live and operate a horse farm.
In his closing remarks, Johnston quoted George Bernard Shaw: “We dream of things that ought to be and ask why not.”
Johnston is the 28th Governor General of Canada.
