A Memorable Morning at Ottawa’s City Hall
I also had the honour recently of attending the Ottawa Mayor’s Breakfast, where General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier spoke.
Fresh off a flight from Riyadh, he shared thoughtful perspectives on leadership, service, and Canada’s role in a rapidly changing global landscape. Now serving as Honourary Chair of the National Defence Innovation Hub task force here in Ottawa, his continued commitment to Canada is inspiring.
His message was grounded and clear:
Canada must stay focused on Canada
Strengthen our military, especially the army
Secure the Arctic
Invest in our fighter jet commitments
Build strong global trade partnerships
In a world that often feels noisy and uncertain — from Ukraine to Gaza, tensions involving Iran, and evolving dynamics with the U.S. — it was refreshing to hear calm, thoughtful leadership.
Ottawa will always remember his steady presence during the ice storm years ago — not just for mobilizing practical support, but for the emotional reassurance the military presence brought to the city. That mattered.
A Newfoundland Moment ❤️
On a personal note, hearing him speak about his Newfoundland roots and the work ethic he learned from his mother genuinely moved me. He shared he’d recently been back home meeting with the Premier and spoke warmly about how much he loves Corner Brook.
As a proud Newfoundlander myself, it meant a lot.
I was fortunate to meet him, shake his hand, and thank him for his service — and yes, in true Newfoundland fashion, he immediately asked where I was from. Then came a classic island moment: a joking aside about once dating a girl from Corner Brook (with his wonderful Newfoundland wife right beside him!). 😄
Leadership, humility, humour — and deep roots in home.
A memorable morning indeed.
Why This Matters for Travel Too
Travel constantly reminds me how important community, kindness, and perspective are. And living in a city like Ottawa — while staying connected to Newfoundland roots — shapes how I design journeys for my clients:
Thoughtful experiences
Meaningful connections
Travel that enriches, not just entertains
Because the best journeys don’t just change where you go…
They change how you see the world.
Live Your Lush Life — Travel ❤️
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Lush Life Travel | Virtuoso Cruise Icon
Ottawa-based. Newfoundland-rooted. Globally inspired.
📩 Email me at sheila@lushlife.ca to get started.
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Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca
