The ‘people’s Governor General’ bids adieu at farewell ceremony
David Johnston says it was an honour to serve, give back to country ‘I love so much’
OTTAWA— As he prepares to return to private life after seven years as Gov. Gen., David Johnston is being toasted as a warm and genial man of the people who connected deeply with Canadians.
Johnston’s term ends Monday, when former astronaut Julie Payette is to be sworn in.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s known Johnston since childhood and has always considered him a “man of strength and in- telligence and compassion,” an athlete and an academic dedicated to education and lifelong learning.
Working with him since becoming prime minister two years ago, Trudeau says he’s also come to know Johnston as a “man of integrity who embodies the principles for which our country stands.”
As a parting gift, the federal government is donating a $3-million grant and up to $7 million in matching funds over 10 years to the Rideau Hall Foundation, a charity Johnston founded to promote equality of educational opportunity, invest in Canadian innovators and foster more volunteerism.
“Serving as Governor General is a responsibility I have cherished for the past seven years,” he said during a farewell ceremony Thursday in Parliament’s Hall of Honour.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to give back to this country I love so much.”
At the ceremony, Trudeau had particular praise for Johnston’s ability to connect “in deeply meaningful ways” with Canadians. Trudeau also praised Johnston’s wife, Sharon, for her own “incredible” public service.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I need to express my deepest gratitude to their excellencies for their many, many contributions to Canada. Together you’ve made this country a better place to call home.”