Highlights from the Mandate

July 26, 2021

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon was sworn in on July 26, 2021. She was the 30th governor general since Confederation and Canada’s first Indigenous governor general.

Priorities

At the heart of Governor General Mary Simon's mandate was a commitment to mental health and wellness. By sparking meaningful conversations, she affirmed mental health as an essential part of overall health.

Her Excellency also made diversity and inclusion a priority by championing a country where every voice and story is heard, and everyone belongs.

The governor general made protecting Canada’s environment a top priority. Through her leadership, she has demonstrated that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility that shapes the future of every Canadian.

Over the years, Her Excellency has been part of historic moments of truth-telling and healing that have helped the country advance on the road towards reconciliation.

Highlights by year

2021-2022

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser sitting in throne seats, holding hands.
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser sitting in throne seats, holding hands.
Governor General Mary Simon standing next to Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany.
Governor General Mary Simon standing next to Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany.
From left to right: Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Her Excellency Mary Simon, His Excellency Whit Fraser.
From left to right: Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Her Excellency Mary Simon, His Excellency Whit Fraser.
Governor General Mary Simon is welcomed on the tarmac in Dubai.
Governor General Mary Simon is welcomed on the tarmac in Dubai.
Governor General Mary Simon placing a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Governor General Mary Simon placing a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking hands with a row of people dressed in red sweatshirts.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking hands with a row of people dressed in red sweatshirts.
Governor General Simon is reading to a group of children sitting in front of her in a library. She is sitting in a brown armchair. A teacher is standing at the back of the group.
Governor General Simon is reading to a group of children sitting in front of her in a library. She is sitting in a brown armchair. A teacher is standing at the back of the group.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking a person's hand.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking a person's hand.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking Pope Francis' hand.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking Pope Francis' hand.

There is a word in Inuktitut: ajuinnata. It means a promise, a vow to never give up.
It means committing ourselves to action, no matter how daunting the cause may be.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

Highlights

  • Met with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall 
  • Participated in a State visit to the Federal Republic of Germany 
  • Undertook working visits to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait to strengthen bilateral relations
  • Appointed 135 exceptional Canadians to the Order of Canada in December 2021
  • Delivered opening remarks at a virtual ceremony for the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case 
  • Participated in the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
 

2022-2023

Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a table and writing in a book of condolences. There is a portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on the table. Text in the lower right corner of the image reads, “Credit: David Parry/PA Media Assignments.”
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a table and writing in a book of condolences. There is a portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on the table. Text in the lower right corner of the image reads, “Credit: David Parry/PA Media Assignments.”
Governor General Mary Simon placing a pair of shoes on a stage.
Governor General Mary Simon placing a pair of shoes on a stage.
The Governor General speaks to the Canadian Ambassador to Iceland, Jeannette Menzies. Mr. Fraser and three other people stand behind them on the tarmac. The side of an airplane is visible behind them.
The Governor General speaks to the Canadian Ambassador to Iceland, Jeannette Menzies. Mr. Fraser and three other people stand behind them on the tarmac. The side of an airplane is visible behind them.
Governor General Simon and Mr. Fraser walk through a crowd of people. She looks at a man holding a red sign that reads, “If we don’t end war, war will end us.” Many other people are holding Ukrainian flags.
Governor General Simon and Mr. Fraser walk through a crowd of people. She looks at a man holding a red sign that reads, “If we don’t end war, war will end us.” Many other people are holding Ukrainian flags.
Governor General Simon shaking the hand the Honourable Margaret Thom. They are both smiling.
Governor General Simon shaking the hand the Honourable Margaret Thom. They are both smiling.
Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser standing on a balcony posing for a photo. The balcony overlooks a large crowd of people. Behind them in the distance is a large stage.
Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser standing on a balcony posing for a photo. The balcony overlooks a large crowd of people. Behind them in the distance is a large stage.
Governor General Mary Simon standing with Mr. Whit Fraser, Icelandic President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and Ms. Eliza Reid outside Rideau Hall.
Governor General Mary Simon standing with Mr. Whit Fraser, Icelandic President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and Ms. Eliza Reid outside Rideau Hall.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking hands with a person in a military uniform.
Governor General Mary Simon shaking hands with a person in a military uniform.
Governor General Mary Simon crocheting with another person. They are seated outside of Rideau Hall.
Governor General Mary Simon crocheting with another person. They are seated outside of Rideau Hall.

Our stories, and how we tell those stories, are how we create ourselves. How we define ourselves.

Speech during the Arctic Arts Summit, June 2022

Highlights

  • Joined Canadians in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and travelled to the United Kingdom to bid farewell to this beloved monarch and witness the proclamation of a new sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III
  • Bore witness to Pope Francis’ apology on Canadian soil for the atrocities committed at residential schools
  • Led an official visit to Iceland and a State visit to Finland where she helped reinforce Canada’s unwavering support for international security and strengthen firmly established relations with these countries
  • Visited over 20 cities and communities across Canada
  • Recognized close to 10 000 extraordinary Canadians through the Canadian Honours System
  • Received letters of credence from 37 foreign heads of mission
 

2023-2024

Governor General Mary Simon shakes hands with a member of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Governor General Mary Simon shakes hands with a member of the Royal Canadian Navy.
The Governor General sitting in a large stadium with hundreds of people. Many are wearing orange.
The Governor General sitting in a large stadium with hundreds of people. Many are wearing orange.
The Governor General pets a horse at the Serene View Ranch.
The Governor General pets a horse at the Serene View Ranch.
Governor General Mary Simon holds the colours and hands it over to a member of the Canadian Armed Forces
Governor General Mary Simon holds the colours and hands it over to a member of the Canadian Armed Forces
Governor General Mary Simon looks at projects with one of the students.
Governor General Mary Simon looks at projects with one of the students.
Governor General Mary Simon watches Junior Rangers build shelters
Governor General Mary Simon watches Junior Rangers build shelters
Governor General Mary Simon, accompanied by Mr. Whit Fraser, salutes
Governor General Mary Simon, accompanied by Mr. Whit Fraser, salutes
Governor General Mary Simon has a needle in hand as she sews a piece of fur
Governor General Mary Simon has a needle in hand as she sews a piece of fur
Governor General Mary Simon holds General Richard Rohmer while members of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces watch in the background.
Governor General Mary Simon holds General Richard Rohmer while members of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces watch in the background.

One of the most important aspects of the work we are doing is to involve generations
who will be in charge of their own future, and we must remember that.

Speech on Climate Change and the Impact on Livelihoods, February 2023

Highlights

  • Recognized more than 12 000 deserving individuals through the Canadian Honours System
  • Visited 16 cities and communities across Canada
  • Received letters of credence from 25 foreign heads of mission
  • Represented Canada abroad in the United Kingdom
  • Welcomed His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, and accompanied him to the Northwest Territories
  • Hosted the President of the Slovak Republic during her State visit to Canada
     
 

2024-2025

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser are walking with a crowd of people outside, participating in National Acadian Day festivities.
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser are walking with a crowd of people outside, participating in National Acadian Day festivities.
The Governor General of Canada Mary Simon shake hands with a seated Team Canada athlete. Several people, including other athletes and officials, are smiling and observing the interaction.
The Governor General of Canada Mary Simon shake hands with a seated Team Canada athlete. Several people, including other athletes and officials, are smiling and observing the interaction.
The Governor General chats with a woman. They are seated at a dining table.
The Governor General chats with a woman. They are seated at a dining table.
Governor General Simon is smiling to Premier Wab Kinew while pining a Coronation Medal on his vest.
Governor General Simon is smiling to Premier Wab Kinew while pining a Coronation Medal on his vest.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting next to a woman at a table full of craft supplies. The woman is pointing something out to her.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting next to a woman at a table full of craft supplies. The woman is pointing something out to her.
Governor General Mary Simon meeting a veteran at the Freedom Parade.
Governor General Mary Simon meeting a veteran at the Freedom Parade.
Their Excellencies accompanying Their Majesties in the landau.
Their Excellencies accompanying Their Majesties in the landau.
Governor General Mary Simon and laureates enjoying the performances at the A group of performers singing on stage at the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala.
Governor General Mary Simon and laureates enjoying the performances at the A group of performers singing on stage at the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala.
Governor General Mary Simon stitching something. She is seated at a table with another person.
Governor General Mary Simon stitching something. She is seated at a table with another person.

Now more than ever, we must build on our shared values as Canadians.

Letter to Canadians, January 2025

Highlights

  • Hosted the Governor General’s Symposium: Building a Safe and Respectful Digital World 
  • Celebrated culture and recognized achievement during regional and international visits, which included National Acadian Day in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia; the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France; and celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the formation of Nunavut
  • Embarked on The Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour to shed light on the exceptional work in mental health being done in Canadian communities, rural areas and urban centres
  • Witnessed the reinternment of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Unknown Soldier in St. John’s, July 2024
  • Visited Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel, France, to honour the memory of Canadians lost during the First World War
  • Prorogued Parliament on January 6, 2025, before accepting the prime minister’s resignation
  • Approved dissolution of Parliament on March 23, 2025
 

2025-2026

Governor General Mary Simon adding a post-it note to a wall filled with colourful messages.
Governor General Mary Simon adding a post-it note to a wall filled with colourful messages.
Governor General Mary Simon placing a medal around an athlete's neck.
Governor General Mary Simon placing a medal around an athlete's neck.
Governor General Mary Simon greeting a person outside of Parliament Hill at an event for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Governor General Mary Simon greeting a person outside of Parliament Hill at an event for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting with a small group of people having a discussion.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting with a small group of people having a discussion.
Governor General Mary Simon posing with a group of people involved in the Special Olympics. Several people are wearing medals.
Governor General Mary Simon posing with a group of people involved in the Special Olympics. Several people are wearing medals.
Governor General Mary Simon and a woman embracing.
Governor General Mary Simon and a woman embracing.
Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, and Leader of the Official Opposition Party of Canada Pierre Poilievre, standing hand in hand. There are individuals standing behind them.
Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, and Leader of the Official Opposition Party of Canada Pierre Poilievre, standing hand in hand. There are individuals standing behind them.
Governor General Mary Simon seated across from His Holiness Pop Leo XIV at a large wooden table.
Governor General Mary Simon seated across from His Holiness Pop Leo XIV at a large wooden table.
Governor General Mary Simon handing out a medal.
Governor General Mary Simon handing out a medal.

Reconciliation is transforming our understanding of history and building new relationships within our society.

Speech from UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Highlights

  • Completed the fourth and final stop of the Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour
  • Participated in the WAVES 2025: Global Indigenous Languages Summit
  • Hosted a symposium on mental health at the Citadelle of Québec
  • Took part in a vigil to honour the victims of Tumbler Ridge
  • Met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to discuss areas of mutual interest, particularly reconciliation, social and economic justice, inclusion, mental health and well-being, and environmental stewardship
  • Supported, recognized and honoured Canadian participants at the Arctic Winter Games

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