On This Day: Vanier Institute Founder Georges P. Vanier Becomes Governor General

On September 15, 1959 – 60 years ago today – distinguished Canadian and Vanier Institute of the Family founder General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier was appointed Governor General of Canada.

The first person from Quebec to be appointed Governor General of Canada, General Vanier was an ardent believer in the importance of family to society, and he used his position to promote and strengthen our understanding of families and family well-being.

In 1964, he convened the Canadian Conference on the Family at Rideau Hall to mobilize knowledge about families and family life, and to guide future research. The Vanier Institute was created the following year to act as a “Royal Commission [that] will never be discharged.” Since its founding, the Institute has continually worked as an independent and authoritative voice to enhance the national understanding of families and family life in Canada.

“One often hears the cries of distress of those who long for what they call ‘the good old times,’ but I tell you the good times are now. The best time is always the present time, because it alone offers the opportunity for action.”
– General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier, last public address, Rideau Hall, 1967

 

To learn more about General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier, read General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier: A Life of Devotion (PDF) and the Our Founders page on our website.

 


Published on September 15, 2019

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