Governor General wants “more caring” Canada in new year

Governor General David Johnston says he’d like to see a “smarter, more caring” Canada in the new year.

In his annual year-end message, Johnston urges Canadians to give their time, talent or money to build a stronger country, and he encourages those who give to tell their friends and neighbours why they do it, so the culture of giving is passed on.

“We all have something to contribute and I encourage everyone to find out what that could be. I am now asking Canadians to discover their giving moment to share their stories and to inspire others to give. It doesn’t matter if your gift is large or small. Whether you make a cash donation or volunteer, or help your neighbour to rebuild a fence, whatever you give, time talent or money, you are strengthening our culture of generosity and creating your very own giving moment.”

The Governor General notes that Canadians responded to tragedies in 2013, pointing to the flooding that struck Alberta, the deadly train derailment in Lac Megantic, Quebec and other disasters around the world.