A powerful new symbol of Canadian agriculture, craftsmanship, and identity was unveiled at Rideau Hall this week, as Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon received a one-of-a-kind rug made entirely from Canadian wool — and designed by her own hand.
The 8-by-10-foot Vice-Regal Wool Rug, created through a collaboration spanning the Canadian wool value chain, brings new attention to the role of domestic fibre production at a time when interest in locally sourced materials continues to grow among farmers and consumers alike.
For small-scale sheep producers and wool growers across Canada, the project represents more than a ceremonial gift. It is a strong example of how Canadian wool can be transformed into high-value, finished goods entirely within the country.
From Canadian farms to Rideau Hall
The rug was produced using 100% Canadian wool, designed with support from Toronto-based Creative Matters, and handcrafted by skilled artisans at Cabernet Carpets in Waterloo, Ontario. Every stage of the project — from fibre sourcing to final weaving — was completed domestically.
Governor General Simon drew inspiration for the design from the colours and textures of her childhood in the Canadian North, weaving personal memory into a piece that now becomes part of the Canadian Crown Collection.
“This rug is 100% product of Canada in every sense,” said Matthew J. Rowe, Chair of the Canadian Wool Council and Campaign for Wool in Canada. “It reflects the strength of our fibre sector and the creativity that exists across the country.”
The completed rug will remain permanently at Rideau Hall, serving as both a personal tribute and a national showcase of Canadian wool.
Why this matters for Canada's sheep farmers
For Canada’s sheep farmers wool often represents an underdeveloped revenue opportunity compared to meat production. However, initiatives like this highlight the growing potential for value-added wool products.
The Canadian Wool Council has been working to expand markets for domestic wool through its Carpet Plan, which aims to increase demand for Canadian fibre in high-quality manufacturing applications.
Projects such as the Vice-Regal Wool Rug demonstrate that:
- Canadian wool can compete in premium markets
- Domestic processing and manufacturing capacity exists
- There is growing interest in sustainable, locally sourced fibres
For small producers, this signals opportunities for improved pricing, new partnerships, and expanded market channels if demand for Canadian wool continues to rise.
A growing focus on sustainable fibres
The effort also aligns with the broader Campaign for Wool, an international initiative founded under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III. The campaign promotes wool as a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre — key attributes as sustainability becomes a priority across supply chains.
“Projects like this remind us that craft can hold history, identity and emotion,” said Ali McMurter of Creative Matters. “It was meaningful to help bring this vision to life using Canadian materials.”
With consumers increasingly seeking environmentally responsible products, wool is gaining renewed attention — particularly when it is sourced and manufactured locally.
Building a Canadian tradition
The Canadian Wool Council hopes this project will mark the beginning of a new national tradition. Invitations have already been extended to future leaders, including incoming Governor General Louise Arbour and Prime Minister Mark Carney, to design their own Canadian wool rugs for the Crown Collection.
If adopted, the initiative could create a lasting showcase for Canadian wool while reinforcing the connection between agriculture, culture, and national identity.
A signal for the future of Canadian wool
For small farmers, the message from Rideau Hall is clear: Canadian wool has a place not only in traditional markets, but also in design, heritage, and premium domestic manufacturing.
As interest in local production and sustainable materials continues to grow, Canada’s wool sector — from small flocks to national organizations — may be well positioned to benefit.
From pasture to public institution, this project underscores the potential for Canadian agriculture to tell its story in new and meaningful ways — one fibre at a time.