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Dec 29, 2020 10:20 PM -

Governor General Julie Payette's new year message pays tribute to essential workers, front-line health workers and military

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File - Governor General Julie Payette is paying tribute to essential workers, front-line health workers and the military in her New Year's message. (B.C. Government)

Governor General Julie Payette is paying tribute to essential workers, front-line health workers and the military in her New Year's message.

Governor General Julie Payette says Canadians owe a debt of gratitude to front-line workers for their efforts to save lives and care for others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her year-end message, Payette says while the pandemic has made for a challenging year, Canadians can respond, and have responded, positively to hardship.

In a departure from previous annual messages, Payette rallies Lieutenant Governors and Territorial Commissioners from across the country to share their thoughts and hopes for 2021, each holding a candle to symbolize the light in the hearts of their fellow citizens.

Payette closes her address by noting that Canadians are not "out of the woods yet" when it comes to the crisis.

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