Visit to Calgary

Upon his arrival at Historic City Hall, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, was welcomed by His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary.

Students, Albertan leaders, university stakeholders and community members who support the initiative of creating smart and caring communities attended the event. The Governor General spent time talking to students at their various information stations.

His Excellency also presented the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to Mr. Robert Symons. For nearly 42 years, Robert Symons has been involved with civic and social causes in his community. He is best known for being a founding member of the District Citizens on Patrol, for which he has volunteered countless hours. He is the current president of the Meals on Wheels program and the founder of the Happy Rollers Bowling League for individuals with special needs. Through his dedication in helping others, Mr. Symons has become an inspiration to many.

During the reception, His Excellency presented the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to Mr. Stephen Huang. Stephen Huang, a fifth-year student in physics and computer science at the University of Calgary, is the founder of Nepal Vision, a charitable organization that provides eye surgery, ophthalmology training and school supplies to those in need in Nepal. In May 2012, after a year of successfully raising funds and collecting donated supplies, Stephen—along with his sister, a biology student, and his father, an ophthalmologist—set out on a three-week mission to Nepal. There, Stephen and his sister visited orphanages and schools, handing out donated items, while his father performed various eye surgeries and taught local doctors.

His Excellency also delivered remarks: “I know we have more than our share of star gazers at this university and in this room today, and that many are students. And that is why I am so pleased to note the extent to which students are leading this university and this community towards a bright future.”

Mrs. Elizabeth Cannon, President of the University of Calgary, also said a few words.

In the evening, the University of Calgary hosted a reception on the theme of “Building the Next Generation of Community Leaders” in recognition of His Excellency’s achievements. Mr. Jim Dinning, Chancellor of the University of Calgary, delivered a speech.

The Governor General delivered a speech to new graduates in education, social work, public policy and communications studies: “I’m honoured to be a friend of one of the most cutting-edge, forward-thinking schools in the country. A school that has produced prime ministers and astronauts, uncovered breakthrough technologies such as the neurochip, and made startling discoveries.”

Mr. Jim Dinning, Chancellor of the University of Calgary, conferred an honorary doctorate of laws degree on His Excellency at the fall convocation ceremony.

His Excellency received this honorary degree for his exceptional career accomplishments in academic and political affairs.

His Excellency presented the insignia of Officer of the Order of Canada to Mrs. Colleen Klein, wife of Ralph Klein, O.C., A.O.E., during a ceremony at the Historic City Hall.

Ralph Klein has made lasting contributions to the province of Alberta and to public life in Canada. He served three consecutive terms as mayor of Calgary, during which time the city hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and created a legacy of sports facilities and municipal infrastructure. He later rose to become Alberta's 12th premier, leading his province with a common touch and broad appeal through an era of economic advancement, innovation and prosperity that ultimately resulted in the elimination of the province's deficit.

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centrepiece of Canada’s honours system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.

During his visit to Calgary, His Excellency also met with the Honourable Alison Redford, Premier of Alberta.