When Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa, came to Ottawa in September 1998, then Governor
General Roméo LeBlanc welcomed him on behalf of all Canadians. During a State dinner at Rideau Hall, President Mandela
became an Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada. The Rt. Hon. Roméo LeBlanc praised the President as "a
universal symbol of triumph over oppression who has inspired people everywhere to work peacefully to end intolerance and
injustice."
When Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa, came to Ottawa in September 1998, then Governor
General Roméo LeBlanc welcomed him on behalf of all Canadians. During a State dinner at Rideau Hall, President Mandela
became an Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada. The Rt. Hon. Roméo LeBlanc praised the President as "a
universal symbol of triumph over oppression who has inspired people everywhere to work peacefully to end intolerance and
injustice."