Guest Speaker(s)

J. William (Bill) Galbraith was born in Fort Frances, Northwestern Ontario. He backpacked throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region before taking degrees from Carleton University and from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Following studies, and more backpacking, he worked first for a private sector business research organization and subsequently served in a number of federal government departments and agencies, involving investment review, intelligence, national security policy, and intelligence review. Bill retired in July 2018 and lives in Ottawa with his wife Kate. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.

Details

John Buchan, Scottish-born renowned author of spy thrillers such as The Thirty-Nine Steps, became Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor General of Canada in 1935. His appointment created a nation-wide controversy, but he was nonetheless welcomed for the accomplished individual he was.

Tweedsmuir changed the tone at Rideau Hall, making it less formal. Mackenzie King, who was Prime Minister when Tweedsmuir arrived on Canadian shores in November 1935, had first met John Buchan in England in 1919, and in 1924 hosted the Buchans at Laurier House and at Kingsmere.

Bill Galbraith, author of John Buchan: Model Governor General, will introduce Buchan and his wife Susan, who both endeared themselves to Ottawans and Canadians. Many people felt they knew Buchan through his books, and he and Susan contributed so much to Canada at many levels. He was also fortunate in Canada; as an incurable walker and sport fisherman as well as mountaineer, he could indulge his love of the outdoors. He was an inspiration to several of his Canadian successors and still inspires us today.

Light refreshments will be served in the auditorium lobby starting at 12:30pm, with the talk to follow at 1:00pm.

All are welcome to attend without charge.