May 19, 2014

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of Victoria Day

OTTAWA — Victoria Day is among the most cherished occasions in Canada’s national calendar, and once again we have reason to celebrate.

For more than 60 years, Canadians have marked Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday on Victoria Day. The tradition of celebrating the Sovereign’s birthday originated in 1845, when the Legislature of the Province of Canada declared a national holiday to commemorate the birth of Queen Victoria on May 24, 1837.

This rich and colourful history reminds us of the enduring and close ties between Canada and the Royal Family. These links continue into the present day, as witnessed by the current Royal Tour of Canada of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. I am delighted to have the opportunity this Victoria Day to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Canada and to wish them well as they set out to visit communities in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.

As we celebrate the return of spring and our Sovereign’s birthday, let us also reflect on our good fortune and all we have to be grateful for as Canadians.                                                                 

David Johnston

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Media information:

Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-9166
marie-pierre.belanger@gg.ca