February 2 to 7, 2026
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, travelled to the Kingdom of Norway from February 2 to 4, 2026. From February 4 to 7, 2026, the Governor General travelled to the Kingdom of Denmark including Greenland.
February 2, 2026
The Governor General began her official visit to Norway in Tromsø with remarks at a gathering of Canadians participating in the Arctic Frontiers Conference.
Her Excellency later joined an event hosted by the Sámi Parliament of Norway, for meaningful dialogues with Sámi leaders and community representatives.
Both gatherings underscored the importance of Arctic collaboration, mutual understanding, and strong people-to-people ties.
February 3, 2026
Today in Tromsø, Governor General Mary Simon delivered remarks and a keynote address at the Arctic Frontiers Conference.
Speaking during the Rising Voices session, she highlighted how Indigenous women bring transformative leadership to Arctic policy and diplomacy—leadership that is grounded in lived experience, community knowledge and stewardship of the region.
More than ever, we need to remind the world how essential co-operation is, and how crucial it is to make space
for the voices and perspectives of people from the North, especially Indigenous women.
Her keynote during the Arctic Frontiers Big Picture Session, Her Excellency further addressed the state of Arctic affairs and reinforced how the Arctic is stronger when nations work together.
The Governor General also attended a reception marking the 30th anniversary of the Arctic Council, reflecting on achievements since its inception. As a founding contributor to the Council, Her Excellency took the opportunity to look back on three decades of progress and collaboration in the Arctic.
Governor General Mary Simon was honoured to meet with Indigenous peoples to discuss the importance of including Indigenous voices and knowledge in a sustainable approach to the Arctic, and of strengthening Arctic ties between Canada and Norway.
To complete her official visit to Norway, Her Excellency met with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja, as well as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, in Oslo, to discuss shared priorities between Canada and Norway.
Her Excellency’s visit to Norway highlighted Canada’s commitment to Arctic collaboration, with a strong emphasis on people‑to‑people ties. She also highlighted the vital role of Indigenous and northern communities in shaping the future of the Arctic and foster Indigenous‑to‑Indigenous connections that support resilient Arctic societies.
February 4, 2026
To begin her official visit to Denmark, Governor General Mary Simon met with His Majesty King Frederik X in Copenhagen to discuss shared priorities between Canada and Denmark.
Credit: Kongehuset
February 5, 2026
Governor General Mary Simon was honoured to meet with Her Excellency Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Together, as Arctic nations, we will continue to build a strong relationship rooted in collaboration.
The unveiling of the Mary Simon Qaggiq Room at the Embassy of Canada to Denmark, in Copenhagen, marked a meaningful tribute.
Governor General Mary Simon was ambassador to Denmark from 1999 to 2001, and served as Canada’s ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs from 1994 to 2003. The room honours a legacy of dialogue, co-operation and connection.
To conclude her official visit to Denmark, Governor General Mary Simon engaged with youth from Avalak, the national Greenlandic student organization in Denmark, discussing mental health and the importance of pride and cultural identity among Inuit youth.
This visit further strengthened Canada’s leadership in circumpolar collaboration by engaging the King of Denmark, the Danish prime minister, as well as other leaders, in discussions on shared approaches to Arctic sovereignty and governance; and by elevating Inuit voices in discussions on the future of Arctic communities.
February 6, 2026
Governor General Mary Simon arrived in Nuuk to begin her visit to Greenland—a significant moment that underscores Canada’s support for Greenland and the close relationships that unite our Arctic communities.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, was honoured to meet with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen in Nuuk to talk about their deep people‑to‑people ties and their shared Arctic home.
The Governor General also delivered remarks at a reception hosted by Canada to mark Canadian diplomatic presence in Nuuk and Canada-Greenland bilateral ties.
The opening of this consulate not only strengthens our diplomatic relations. It also reinforces Canada’s respect for the people of Greenland: respect for your democracy, your sovereignty and your right to shape your own future.
February 7, 2026
Continuing her visit to Greenland, the Governor General, as honorary chief commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, spent time with crew members onboard the CCGS Jean Goodwill.
To conclude her Nordic visit, Governor General Mary Simon met with representatives from the Inuit Circumpolar Conference Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council Chairship Team.
These meetings highlighted the long-standing Indigenous ties between Canada and Greenland, the importance of Indigenous perspectives in Arctic policy, and the continued value of circumpolar co-operation.
This week strengthened bonds between Canada, Norway, Denmark and Greenland, celebrated Indigenous voices, and reinforced the importance of people-to-people connections. The relationships fostered here will continue to guide collaboration and friendship long after the visit has ended.