January 30, 2023
OTTAWA, Ontario—At the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will undertake a State visit to the Republic of Finland, from February 6 to 10, 2023, to mark 75 years of formal bilateral relations with a valued and like-minded partner and EU member.
Her Excellency’s visit to the country will reinforce Canada’s commitment to solidarity and strong support for European security, and Finland’s accession to NATO. It will present opportunities to advance shared priorities in the areas of human rights, support for democracy, gender equality and climate change.
The visit will also highlight the Governor General’s unique standing across circumpolar regions in core areas of our co-operation with partners, including Indigenous knowledge, sustainable development, green transition, Arctic governance, the primary role of Arctic states leading on Arctic issues, and the importance of rules-based decisions in ensuring the stability of the region.
The Governor General will deliver a number of speeches throughout the visit, including one as part of a panel discussion hosted by the University of Lapland on the effects of climate change in the Arctic.
Times are indicated in Eastern European Time (EET).
Monday, February 6
Helsinki
Late evening
Arrival in Helsinki
CLOSED TO MEDIA
Tuesday, February 7
Helsinki
10 a.m.
Official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace
Upon arrival, the Governor General will be greeted by His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, and his spouse, Dr. Jenni Haukio. They will inspect a guard of honour and observe the playing of the national anthems. They will then continue inside the palace to sign the guest book and pause for the official photograph.
Presidential Palace
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – During the welcoming ceremony and for the official photograph
10:20 a.m.
Meeting with the President of the Republic of Finland
The Governor General will meet with the President of the Republic of Finland to discuss strengthening Canada-Finland relations and shared values in areas such as human rights, climate change and support for European security.
Presidential Palace
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – At the start of the meeting only
11:50 a.m.
Press conference at the Presidential Palace
The Governor General and the President of the Republic of Finland will each deliver statements and answer questions from media.
View the press conference live
Presidential Palace
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
12:20 p.m.
Official luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Helsinki
Her Excellency will attend a luncheon hosted by Mr. Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki. The President of the Republic of Finland will also attend.
Helsinki City Hall
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – Upon arrival, during the signing of the guest book and at the start of the luncheon
2:50 p.m.
Meeting with the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament
The Governor General will meet with His Excellency Antti Rinne, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Following the meeting, Her Excellency will be introduced to members of Parliament in the house.
Parliament House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – Upon arrival, for the official photograph, at the start of the meeting and during the introduction to parliament
3:40 p.m.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland
The Governor General will meet with Her Excellency Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, to discuss shared priorities between Canada and Finland.
Kesäranta Residence
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – Upon arrival only
7 p.m.
State dinner at the Presidential Palace
Her Excellency will attend a State Dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Finland. The President and the Governor General will both deliver remarks.
Presidential Palace
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA – Upon arrival and during speeches
Wednesday, February 8
Helsinki
10 a.m.
Wreath-laying ceremony
The Governor General will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Hietaniemi Cemetery, the location for Finnish state funerals.
Find information on Hietaniemi Cemetery
Hietaniemi Cemetery
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
10:30 a.m.
Round-table discussion on education innovation
Her Excellency will meet with Finnish education officials to discuss their education system and the challenges they face in remote areas, including the north. Following the discussion, the Governor General will have an opportunity to meet with students enrolled in the Yrityskyla program, a Finnish experiential learning method.
Find information on Yrityskyla program
Museum of Technology
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – At the start of the meeting with the students
12 p.m.
Working lunch with civically active youth representing diverse groups
The Governor General will meet with civically active Finnish youth representing a diverse group of organizations. The luncheon will bring together Sámi People, 2SLGBTQI+ activists, disability activists, representatives of national student unions and young people representing Finland in the global fight against climate change. They will discuss life in Finland from their different perspectives, including those of diversity and inclusion.
Oodi Library
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Thursday, February 9
Rovaniemi
11 a.m.
Panel discussion on the effects of climate change in the Arctic
The Governor General will deliver a speech on the effects of climate change in the Arctic and its impacts on northern communities in Canada and other Arctic regions. A panel discussion, hosted by the University of Lapland, will follow and will delve into the aforementioned theme.
Find information on the University of Lapland
Arktikum Centre
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
12:05 p.m.
Working luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Rovaniemi
Her Excellency will attend a luncheon hosted by Ms. Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio, Mayor of Rovaniemi.
Arktikum Centre
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
1:40 p.m.
Visit to Ylikylä Comprehensive School
The Governor General will visit the Ylikylä Comprehensive School to learn about Sámi language education and distance learning for Sámi children. She will meet with young children learning the main Sámi language.
Ylikylä Comprehensive School
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – At the start of the classroom visit
2:30 p.m.
Visit to the Lapland Air Command
Her Excellency will visit the Lapland Air Command, the Finnish Air Force unit responsible for monitoring the air defence and integrity of Finland’s territory. She will learn about their operations and capabilities.
Find information on the Lapland Air Command
Lapland Air Command Base, Rovaniemi Airport
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Friday, February 10
Helsinki
Morning
Departure from Helsinki
CLOSED TO MEDIA
Notes for media
- Media members wishing to cover the State visit must complete and submit the accreditation form by February 2, 2023.
- The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs will manage transportation for members of the media to sites within each city. Media members must arrange their own transportation to and from Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
- Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via media@gg.ca.
- Media members can follow the Governor General’s visit and activities at www.gg.ca.
Related links:
Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca
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