My friends,

 

This is a time to give thanks for loved ones, and look back on the past year. We come together – in places of worship, around the table, or under the tree – to celebrate the spirit of the season.

 

We often celebrate this time of year by showing our generosity to family and friends. I trust that we will do the same with the thousands of people who are experiencing the Canadian holidays and the Canadian winter for the first time – the Syrian refugees. After all, we share values of love, hope, and compassion. It's what we do and it's who we are.

 

Let us also take time to remember the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who cannot be with their families. We appreciate their sacrifices for our country – not just today, but every day.

 

My friends, I'm deeply grateful for the support you've shown my family and me over this past year. I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve you.

 

From our family to yours, Sophie and I send you the warmest of Christmas wishes and all the best for health and happiness in 2016.