Simon highlights solidarity, resilience in New Year’s message

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon is urging Canadians to build on a year marked by solidarity and resilience as the country heads into 2026.

In her annual New Year’s message, Simon highlighted communities coming together after wildfires as well as unprecedented economic co-operation and continued efforts to revitalize Indigenous cultures and languages.

“In 2025, I saw Canada as a nation that is courageous, inclusive and committed to building peace,” she said.

Simon also pointed to moments of national pride, including when Canadians rallied behind the Toronto Blue Jays in their inspiring run for a World Series championship, as examples of unity.

“The new year promises us more wonderful opportunities to strengthen the bonds that unite us,” she said.

Simon thanked Canadians for their well-wishes when she was hospitalized in the fall for a respiratory virus that prevented her from attending the National Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 11 in Ottawa.

Simon, who became Canada’s 30th Governor General in July 2021, is now in the fifth year of what is conventionally a five-year term. She was raised in Nunavik and is the first Inuk to serve in the role.

A governor general’s term can run longer if a successor has not been appointed, but no decision has been announced about whether Simon’s tenure will be extended.

Simon concluded her message, which was pre-recorded and delivered Wednesday morning in English, Inuktitut and French, by wishing Canadians health, joy and peace in 2026.