His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, C.C.

Roles and responsibilities

In addition to sharing in the ceremonial, domestic and representational aspects of the viceregal role, Mr. Lafond carries out programs in support of the Governor General's themes:

Art Matters

The Governor General’s arts awards ceremonies offer an opportunity to bring together our country’s artistic and cultural creative spirits. Created to complement the ceremonies, the Art Matters forums encourage dialogue and provide a space for reflection on the creative process and how it is received by society.

Similar discussions have also taken place across Canada as part of the Governor General's official visits to the provinces and territories. These conversations delve beyond politics and funding and create a vantage point from which to observe a culture in motion.

Citizen Voices

Upon his arrival at Rideau Hall, Mr. Lafond set to work on the creation of an interactive extension of the corporate website. Called Citizen Voices, the prime objective of the project is to promote the activities of the Office and to create a space for dialogue with and amongst citizens.

The site features elements such as space for online forums where Canadians can exchange on certain themes, read blogs by Their Excellencies and other guests, and soon view short videos of official events and more informal meetings. The site was launched in September 2006 on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Governor General’s instalment and featured a live chat with the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean.

La francophonie canadienne

La Francophonie brings together a global heritage of cultures, vibrantly brought to life through artistic expression. It is an international community where ideas, discussions, economies and solidarities abound. Canada has a unique relationship and place within this extended family of 200 million French speakers and the 68 member States represented by the governments of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

During official visits across the country, His Excellency has engaged members of local communities in discussions on the state of La Francophonie in Canada.

400th anniversary of the founding of Québec in 2008

Mr. Lafond has assumed a key role in developing the Office’s activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, the Citadelle will be offering a specific program to educate people about the Office of the Governor General and its history. It is the oldest continuous institution in Canada’s public life, going back in an unbroken line to Samuel de Champlain, first Governor of New France. Since that time, the office has evolved: the Governor General is Canadian. The Governor General is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of the government and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court heads up the Canadian judiciary. These are the three coordinate bodies that form the foundation of Canada’s democratic system.

Promotion of Canadian Food and Wine

Rideau Hall celebrates excellence in its many forms and in many ways. Every year, the best of Canada’s wine, cheeses and other regional products are highlighted at hundreds of official events hosted by Their Excellencies. Many of these events honour outstanding Canadians in different fields (literature, performing arts, visual and media arts) that are vital to the cultural fabric of our country. In 2006, Jean-Daniel Lafond proposed an award for the culinary arts that recognizes Canadian culinary products, wines and talents. This award is expected to be launched in 2008.