On September 27, 2006, on the first anniversary of the Governor General of Canada’s installation, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond launched a new online forum called Citizen Voices. The site was the result of careful consideration by Mr. Lafond and a team of young enthusiastic collaborators on how to renew the tools to facilitate debate and dialogue.

As a novel, interactive and highly dynamic medium, the website allows the Web community to communicate more easily, to expand contact networks, to share ideas and to establish a durable link with Rideau Hall. Through forums, blogs, videos and live chat sessions, web users can provide feedback and interact with Their Excellencies, as well with other citizens from all parts of the country on issues of concern, on ideas and initiatives that are dear to their hearts.

Web users could navigate among four theme-based sections: Art Matters, Mentorship, Urban Arts and Youth Dialogues. The content grew continuously over time through participation from the public. By clicking the "On the Road" tab, more information was available on the most recent travel plans and visits of Their Excellencies, including State Visits.

In April 2007, the Citizen Voices website was officially honoured in the Government category of the 11th annual Webby Awards (the Oscars of the Internet). Citizen Voices was chosen from among the over 8,000 sites submitted to the jury from over 60 countries honoured at this international ceremony.

The site was retired and archived in 2010.

Explore the archived website CitizenVoices →