This year as I reflect on the holiday season, I turn to the traditional messages of our late Sovereign. Somehow she always found just the right words of comfort and joy. Her last holiday message began by saying: “Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones.”
Prescient words, indeed. Particularly so given the loss of our beloved Queen of Canada. We felt a profound grief upon her passing reflecting how ever present and familial she was to us all.
In the months before her death, I was so privileged to crisscross Ontario to help communities celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. We welcomed Prince Charles in Ottawa and then planted trees and shared tea from Red Lake in the west, to Renfrew County in the east. I was moved to hear Ontarians telling stories, one generation to another. These are moments I will always cherish.
As we move into a new year, we know there are challenges still to come - a pandemic that is not yet over; the existential threat of climate change that is becoming very real; and an unthinkable war.
But my hope and optimism remain strong.
We can hold fast to the sense of purpose that united us these past few years to build a more resilient and sustainable world.
We can encourage the building of bridges that connect, instead of walls that divide.
And we can draw strength from the unwavering civic spirit of Ontarians. Be kind to one another.
While change is inevitable, the Crown remains constant. We look forward to the coronation of our new King.
Whatever traditions and cultures you choose, I wish you a joyous holiday. Perhaps you’ll join me for the New Year’s Levee in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park.
May the year ahead bring you good health, happiness. peace and prosperity.
Come celebrate the arrival of 2023 alongside the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
You are cordially invited to the Lieutenant Governor’s New Year’s Levee on Sunday, January 1st, 2023 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Admission is free and open to the public. No RSVP needed.
For more information: Save the Date: Lieutenant Governor's 2023 New Year's Levee - Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (lgontario.ca)