Wendy and I had the privilege today of being invited to the Alberta Legislature for the visit of Canada’s Governor General His Honour David Johnston.  We were with Mrs. Stelmach and Mrs. Kowoloski as well as a few other distinguished visitors in the Speaker’s Gallery.

The Governor General spoke brilliantly and drew a picture of a Canada described in his words as “smart and caring”.  He used the imagery of four pillars of such a culture – education, innovation, charity and opportunity.  As he spoke I thought of what a good outline for a sermon he had.  He made reference to The Salvation Army as an example of charity but called on Albertans to exercise personal charity.

We’ve had some remarkable encounters with social leaders over the past 18 months and once again we left impressed by the candor, humility and intelligence of the man we listened to.

The public perception of the Governor General, and leaders in general is sometimes a harsh thing….we expect so much and forgive so little.  Yet on this day it seemed there was a deep sense of pride for Canada’s Governor General and the quality of person that makes this office one of influence and importance.

As the Speaker of the House, Mr. Ken Kowalski pointed out, this is only the second time a Governor General has spoken to the House since 1906.  It was great to witness history in the making.