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Official visit to Newfoundland and Labrador

June 29 to July 5, 2024

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook an official visit to Newfoundland and Labrador.

This visit marked the Governor General's first official trip to the province and was an opportunity to learn about Newfoundland and Labrador's rich history and vibrant culture.

 

June 30, 2024

The Governor General was greeted by provincial dignitaries including Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Governor General also inspected a guard of honour.

The Governor General then paid her respects to the unknown soldier during the lying-in-state. She also served meals at The Gathering Place, a community health centre that helps people in need by providing food, clothes, medical and dental care, and support.

She held meetings with Chief Brad Benoit of Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi First Nation, and with Interim Chief, Western Vice-Chief, Jennifer Brake of Qalipu First Nation.

In the evening, the Governor General attended and provided remarks at the annual Beaumont-Hamel Commemorative Dinner.

 

Governor General Simon walking past a row of people in uniform. They are outside.

Governor General Simon standing next to Marie Aylward, Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are both dressed in black.

Governor General Simon standing before a casket draped with a Canada flag. There is a wreath and a framed photo on top.

Governor General Simon and Mr. White Fraser working in a kitchen. The Governor General is scooping food into a container.

Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser posing for a photo with Miawpukek First Nation Chief Brad Benoit and another man.

Governor General Simon standing next to Interim Chief, Western Vice-Chief, Jennifer Brake of Qalipu First Nation. There are large windows behind them.

Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser posing with a large group of people. Everyone is dressed in either formal clothing or uniform. The photo was taken from above.

 

July 1, 2024

The Governor General participated in a special ceremony marking 100 years since the National War Memorial was built.

In the afternoon, the Governor General celebrated Canada Day with the residents of Alderwood Estates and their families. The residents showcased their talents such as singing and dancing.

 

Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser standing outside with a large group of people at a ceremony. A casket draped with a Canada flag is in the foreground.

Governor General Simon is crouched down at the foot of a war memorial. There is a plaque on the wall of the memorial and a bouquet of flowers.

Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser speaking with an old man in a military uniform. The Governor General is holding the man's hands. He is seated and has two wooden canes leaning against his shoulder.

A band playing at a Canada Day celebration at a retirement home. People are dancing. Governor General Simon is playing the accordion.

People dressed in red and white for a Canada Day celebration at a retirement home. Four people are standing and singing. There is a microphone in front of one woman who is standing with a walker. One person is seated.

People dressed in red and white for a Canada Day celebration at a retirement home. Governor General Simon is helping a woman slice into a large cake.

 

July 2, 2024

The Governor General was invested as honorary chief commissioner of the CCG. Established in 1976, this role involves the Governor General participating in national ceremonies and events to promote the CCG's work in saving lives and protecting the marine environment.

The Governor General then participated in a mental health and wellness workshop, and engaged with Lifewise members and staff to learn about their experiences and the positive impact the organization has had on them.

The Governor General hosted a Learning and Listening Mental Health Roundtable Discussion. This discussion brought together people with lived experiences, health professionals and experts so that their best practices and knowledge may inspire programming elsewhere in Canada.

In the evening, the Governor General attended and delivered remarks at a reception hosted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. During this reception, the Governor General presented national honours to remarkable Canadians who have made significant contributions to Canada.

See the list of recipients that received their honours during this special ceremony.

 

Governor General Simon posing next to a man in uniform. There is a framed certificate on an easel between them.

Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser posing for a photo with a group of people in uniforms.

A diverse group of people sit around a U-shaped table in a meeting room. The atmosphere is professional and collaborative, with papers and nameplates on the table.

A group of people sit attentively around a table with a red-checkered tablecloth in a kitchen setting.

Governor General Mary Simon delivers her remarks

Two dancers perform a dance routine as Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser watch in the background.

July 3, 2024

Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador

The Governor General visited the Opioid Dependence Treatment Hub (ODT Hub) to learn about the services and support provided to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their families.

She held meetings with Johannes Lampe of Nunatsiavut Government and Grand Chief Simon Pokue of Innu Nation.

The Governor General also visited the Memorial University’s Pye Centre, a hub for community-led and northern-focused food systems research, education, community connections, production and distribution in the region.

 

A group of five people converse in an office, surrounded by shelves and a desk.

A group of people sit around a conference table. A woman with gray hair holds a syringe while others watch attentively.

Governor General Mary Simon stands with Johannes Lampe, President of the Nunatsiavut Assembly

Governor General Mary Simon stands with Grand Chief Simon Pokue of Innu Nation. Mr. Fraser and another man stand next to them.

Governor General Mary Simon sits in a circle with staff members. Mr. Whit Fraser sits to her right.

Governor General Mary Simon picks flowers. There is a child in the foreground.

 

July 4, 2024

The Governor General met with Innu youth and Guardians. During her visit to Akamiu-Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, the Governor General met with Innu youth currently on an expedition that provides exposure to marine science for the management of Innu Nation’s waters.

She also met with Todd Russell of NunatuKavut Community Council.

Gander, Newfoundland

Following a preview performance of the musical Come From Away, the Governor General met with the cast and crew—as well as with some of the actual people who inspired the characters—to celebrate Canadian artistic achievement.

A group of people on a black zodiac. Several of them are fishing.

Governor General Mary Simon is chatting with a group of students dressed in red. They are outside.

Governor General Mary Simon stands next to Todd Russell, President of the NunatuKavut Community Council.

Governor General Mary Simon talks to a group of people.

Governor General Mary Simon stands with a large group of people on a stage.

 

July 5, 2024

The Governor General met with members of the Canadian Armed Forces at 9 Wing Gander. During her visit, the Governor General also learned about the search and rescue services that 9 Wing provides throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as north-eastern Quebec.

 

Governor General Mary Simon shakes hands with a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Two members of the Canadian Armed Forces look out from an open door inside a helicopter.

Governor General Mary Simon looks out a helicopter window with a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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