June 16, 2026 - On Monday June 8, 2026, the Right Honourable Louise Arbour delivered her inaugural address as Canada’s 31st Governor General. Her words stirred a profound sense of belonging for nearly one million Canadian Filipinos. She described a Canadian democracy that celebrates our community’s journey, sacrifices, and vibrant spirit, affirming that immigrant cultures are vital threads woven into the nation's identity.
At the ceremony, Prime Minister Mark Carney noted: “At every stage of her distinguished career, Her Excellency Louise Arbour has defended and promoted justice, dignity, and equality.” This dedication makes her vision deeply meaningful for the Canadian Filipino community.
Louise Arbour is the 31st Governor General of Canada.
From a Homogenous to a Diverse Environment
Arbour spoke candidly about moving from a world where everyone was the same to one alivevwith global viewpoints. Growing up in Montreal, she was surrounded by people who shared her language, race, and faith. Entering law career, she found herself in another homogenous setting, mostly among men. Through her international human rights work, however, she discovered "the richness of the connections to be made with people with whom we thought we had nothing in common."
This reflection mirrors what many Canadian Filipinos experience. Each day, our kababayan step beyond the warmth of home to weave themselves into the Canadian mosaic. Arbour’s story reminds us that true intellectual and cultural richness comes from wholeheartedly embracing our differences.
A Trailblazing Journey Shaped by Grit and Justice
Arbour believes that bringing together personal experience and the law is essential. In her speech, she noted, "I have learned the importance of understanding differing points of view..." Her outlook is shaped by her humble upbringing, much like the grit of immigrant families. Born to a low-income, single-parent family, she conquered adversity early.
After earning her law degree from l’Université de Montréal in 1970, she rose from Supreme Court law clerk to Justice on the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada. She carried this dedication to the world stage as Chief Prosecutor for UN International Criminal Tribunals, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and UN Special Representative for International Migration. Her journey proves that someone from modest beginnings can inspire immigrants around the world.
A Shared Legacy of Human Rights and the UN Vision
Arbour’s global work has a special meaning for the Filipino diaspora. The Governor General quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “there can be no security without development, no development without security, and neither without the protection of human rights.” By highlighting the UN as a symbol of peace, she reflected how our diaspora supports global progress.
In 2019, I wrote the commentary U.N. Global Compact for Migration: Defining Our Common Humanity for the Canadian Filipino Net newsmagazine. Canada showed its commitment to justice by supporting this framework, which resulted from principled negotiations led by Arbour. Her approach to migration—focused on dignity—matches the humanitarian values long championed by the Canadian Filipino community.
Rejecting Division, Embracing Civic Strength
The Governor General warned against global divisions, noting that "extreme polarization is dangerous..." At a time when immigrant communities face harsh political debates, Arbour described diversity as Canada’s greatest strength, helping us think critically, be creative, and discover new solutions.
Our community brings unique cultural values, deep faith, and a strong work ethic to healthcare, education, tech, and creative fields. The highest office in the country is telling us that our perspective is both a fundamental right and a valuable resource for Canada.
The Parable of the Cathedral
Her Excellency told the story of the three stonemasons. When asked what they are doing, the first says he is “cutting stones,” the second is “building a wall,” and the third declares, "I’m building a cathedral." This story means a lot to our community. Many Filipino immigrants take frontline jobs, working long hours in hospitals, care homes, and factories, while quietly and regularly supporting their families back home.
The Governor General pointed out how easy it is to get lost in the "busyness of our day-to-day lives." Still, her message lifts up our daily work. Every shift worked, every business started, and every child raised is an important part of building the magnificent "cathedral" that is Canada’s future.
A Proud Pipeline of Political Trailblazers
In Manitoba, where I live, this national message feels especially meaningful. Winnipeg holds an important place in our diaspora's history as the first major home for Canadian Filipino immigrants in the mid-20th century. From the neighbourhoods of the North and West Ends to the halls of the Manitoba Legislature, city council, and school boards, our community has spent decades showing how diversity builds civic strength in the country.
This Manitoba legacy paved the way for national political trailblazers who brought Arbour's vision to life. Winnipeg sent me to the House of Commons as the first Canadian Filipino MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Cabinet Minister (1988–2004). Decades later, Manitoba's public service tradition shines through with Senator Dr. Gigi Osler who continues to serve Canada with distinction. This political awakening included the late Senator
Tobias Enverga of Ontario, the first Canadian Filipino appointed to the Senate in 2012, and Minister Rechie Valdez, who made history as the first female Filipino-Canadian federal Minister in 2021.
A Renewed Commitment to Inclusivity at the CAF
As Commander-in-Chief, Arbour spoke about how the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are changing, and she praised efforts to recruit people from different “genders, backgrounds, and perspectives.” This modernization resonates with more young Canadian Filipinos who are joining the military to serve the country they now call home. Real safety is built by treating everyone with dignity.
Youth as Co-Architects of Canada's Future
The Governor General gave an inspiring message to young Canadians. She recognized that although today’s youth are highly educated and digitally skilled, they still “face the headwinds of inequality." She called on everyone in Canada to ensure young people reach their full potential.
For Filipino parents who journeyed here hoping for a brighter future for their children, her words hold deep significance.
Engaging with the Vice-Regal Office
To put Arbour’s words into action, our community must move from appreciation to more active civic engagement. Community groups, cultural associations, and student networks should proactively invite the Governor General to Filipino-hosted national events, youth leadership summits, and cultural celebrations across Canada. The Pinoys on Parliament – Canada’s first national Canadian Filipino youth leadership conference held annually in Ottawa by the non- profit youth organization Kabangka to bring together delegates aged 16 to 30 to discuss professional development, culture, identity, and civic representation – can set the tone and example.
Furthermore, our leaders should leverage the Governor General’s awards program and vice-regal patronages to nominate exceptional Filipino volunteers, frontline advocates, and trailblazers who are making a difference in Canada, quietly laying the stones of our national cathedral. By initiating regular dialogue through her office, our community can ensure that our unique multicultural perspective continues to inform her vice-regal priorities. Arbour ended by reminding us that “the world is watching” Canada, eager to see if an open, multicultural society can succeed.
As Canadian Filipinos, we are not mere spectators watching from the sidelines. Guided by the bayanihan-pakikipagkapwa spirit of unity, perseverance, and service, we are determined to heed her challenge: to act boldly, aim high, and continue building a Canada where “security, prosperity, and dignity” belong to all.
Editor's note: Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D. M.Sc. is a retired lung specialist, professor of child health, and former MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and cabinet minister. He graduated from the University of the Philippines, did postgraduate training and studies at the Children’s Hospitals of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and spent a sabbatical year as Visiting Professor at the University of Arizona Medical Center. He is the author of articles and chapters in medical journals and textbooks and columnist for community newsmagazines. Widely lectured in Canada and abroad, he spoke in June 2003 on “The Global Threat of New Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Science Ministers/Advisors Carnegie Group Meeting in Berlin. He volunteers on the Advisory Council of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg and the Board of St. Paul’s College Foundation at the University of Manitoba.
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