October 25 to 29, 2024
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook an official visit to Alberta from October 25 to 29, 2024. The visit focused on reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, digital respect and mental health.
October 25, 2024
Governor General Mary Simon received a warm welcome at 4 Wing Cold Lake, marking the start of her official visit to Alberta. As commander-in-chief, she was delighted to spend time with RCAF members at the 410 Tactical Fighter Squadron.
During her stop to Cold Lake, the Governor General was inspired by how reconciliation is being put into action. She visited John N.A. Janvier School on Cold Lake First Nation, to learn more about their efforts to revitalize the Denesuliné language with school staff, Elders and Cold Lake First Nations representatives.
The Governor General was also thrilled to meet with Spirit North program leaders and its founder Canadian Olympian Becky Scott who connects Indigenous youth to sport, the outdoors and the land.
October 26, 2024
After an extended closure due to the devastating wildfires, the Jasper Municipal Library recently reopened and resumed service as a key community resource. Governor General began Day 2 of her official visit to Alberta with young readers, their families and Jasperites for storytime.
In the afternoon, the Governor General visited the Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge to interact with residents, their families and staff who were impacted by Jasper’s wildfires.
Next, Her Excellency made a stop at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion Branch 31 to thank first responders, volunteers and citizens. After the visit, the Governor General walked over to the war memorial, which is across the street from the Legion, to reflect and pay her respects to the fallen soldiers of Jasper.
The events that happened here at Royal Canadian Legion are truly remarkable. Whether serving meals to the crews or coordinating the donation of essential items to residents, everyone here inspired admiration and hope throughout our entire country.
October 27, 2024
The Governor General met with community members at the C5 North East Hub. The hub provides services and support to 30 000 of the most economically, socially and culturally marginalized children, youth and adults in the Edmonton area, including newcomers, immigrants and refugees, Indigenous individuals and families, and teen parents. Her Excellency had the opportunity to watch and enjoy an African dance class; lend a hand in the communal kitchen by making bannock; and take part in making ribbon skirts.
October 28, 2024
Her Excellency participated in a fireside chat and listened to a panel discussion with Albertans on the impacts of online harassment and emerging solutions to build a safe and respectful digital world.
Later that morning, the Governor General received a warm welcome at Government House from Their Honours the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and Dr. Zaheer Lakhani. There, the Governor General had the pleasure of participating in a meeting on economic reconciliation.
In the afternoon, the Governor General invested 7 Members (C.M.) from Alberta into the Order of Canada.
The Order of Canada recognizes people who, like you, have enriched Canada’s cultural, sporting and intellectual life.
October 29, 2024
The Governor General was greeted by the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, outside the Legislature Building. Her Excellency also met the Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, and signed the guest book.
Later that morning, Her Excellency met with Indigenous leaders from Alberta.
This visit was part of a larger objective of visiting each province and territory to engage with Canadians from across the country in their communities, and to meet with provincial and Indigenous leaders.