Ottawa, Friday, February 1st, 2008
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How are you?
Last year, we were a little short on snow, but this year, it looks like we've more than made up for it!
Personally, I think winter should look like winter!
What matters most is that we remain warm in our hearts.
My daughter Marie-Éden and I are delighted to be here with you to kick off the 30th edition of Winterlude and celebrate this year's theme of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.
One year before founding Quebec City, Samuel de Champlain decided to create the Order of Good Cheer, the first social and food club in America, in order to brighten the long winter months.
Champlain was on to something and would not be easily discouraged. It took just one winter for him to understand what we all know from personal experience: there's nothing like a party when it's cold outside!
In addition to his joie de vivre, Samuel de Champlain left us the magnificent Quebec City, which we call the Old Capital.
By the way, do you know why we call it the Old Capital? Because it was the capital of New France, of Lower Canada, and for a short time, the capital of Canada.
Everywhere you look in Quebec City, history is alive, enriching our present. But Champlain's legacy is so much more than that, reaching far beyond bricks and mortar and the signs that time has left behind.
We were given a country of unlimited possibilities, a country that Champlain himself explored right up to our very doorstep, here in the Ottawa Valley, reaching the very shores that stretch out behind us.
And with that legacy, we inherited the French language and culture, so deeply rooted in our hearts today.
As governor general of Canada, I am extremely proud that we can take advantage of this 30th edition of Winterlude to celebrate 400 years of French presence in America and the beginning of an adventure that has led to the Canada we know today.
Rest assured that the institution of the governor general will be joining in the festivities, here in Ottawa and in Quebec City.
Beginning on Saturday, February 9, we will be holding our annual winter celebration at Rideau Hall. Mark your calendars! We'll be expecting you.
I would also like to extend a warm invitation for you to come to Quebec City and visit La Citadelle, the second official residence of the governor general and garrison of the Royal 22e Régiment, the Vandoos.
At the end of May, we will be receiving Le Grand livre de Champlain, a monumental work two metres high and weighing over 500 kilograms, which is a gift to all Canadians by the cities of La Rochelle, Royan and Rochefort in France.
This book, which evokes Champlain's travels to New France, is a collection of his notes, maps and etchings. Something not to be missed!
And that's just a taste of how the office of the governor general will be taking part in the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.
Between now and then, take a walk in the footsteps of Samuel de Champlain: make the most of winter and Winterlude and enjoy a little "good cheer" with your family and friends.
Let the celebration begin!
