January 5 to 9, 2025
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook a visit to British Columbia, from February 5 to 9, 2025.
January 5, 2025
Upon arrival in Victoria, British Columbia, Governor General Simon was greeted by the newly installed lieutenant governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, at Government House. There they had a chance to discuss the incredible work being done by Pacific Autism Family Network. The Governor General had the pleasure of visiting the facility later that week to witness meaningful inclusion in action and speak with their self-advocates.
Later that afternoon, Governor General Simon delivered a keynote address at an event hosted by the University of Victoria in honour of the 10 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. She then engaged in meaningful dialogue with students from the University of Victoria where she listened to their reflections and insights on reconciliation.
This ten-year anniversary does not mark an end to our work, but the beginning of a new chapter.
January 6, 2025
As part of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, Governor General Simon joined participants at Open Doors Group to witness first-hand how programs that use recreational activities as therapy make a difference in the lives of individuals who are on recovery journeys or who are facing mental health challenges.
Later that day, Governor General Simon attended a round-table discussion at Dudes Club, in Vancouver, to learn from mental health experts and change-makers who are sharing their personal experiences to raise awareness and promote innovative practices. After the round-table discussion, participants from NeXup, a youth-lead initiative, gave the Governor General a tour of their music studio and shared some of their music projects.
To close out the day, the Governor General delivered remarks at a welcome dinner for members of Canada’s Indigenous veterans delegation. The Canadian Veteran Delegation for Invictus Games 2025 unites Indigenous veterans from across Canada for cultural exchanges and dialogue with the four host First Nations, youth, and Indigenous veterans from other nations.
January 7, 2025
The Governor General took part in a Canadian honours ceremony celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada and who have inspired others to help build a better country. Two Officers and one Member were invested into the Order of Canada; one individual was presented with the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) and another was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
List of honourees who attended the presentation
What I see in your remarkable contributions is a search for progress and truth.
Later that day, as Invictus Team Canada was getting settled in at Nations Home, a place where competitors could relax and prepare for the competitions ahead, the Governor General met with the team to share words of encouragement and let them know that Canada would be cheering them on.
January 8, 2025
Welcoming Ceremony Day for 2025 Invictus Games! Prior to delivering remarks on live national television to kick off the Opening Ceremony, Governor General Simon was honoured to meet with competitors and their friends and family, to honour and celebrate them during a Team Canada breakfast. She listened to their stories and shared her support.
The Governor General also attended a proclamation ceremony hosted by the Premier of British Columbia who proclaimed February 5 to 16, 2025, “Invictus Games Week”.
These Games are a testament to the courage and fighting spirit of personnel in uniform.
January 9, 2025
Throughout the day, Governor General Mary Simon cheered on Canadian competitors in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair curling. She then presented the gold medal to the winning competitors.
