State Visit to Chile - Day 2

Before meeting members of the media, His Excellency and President Bachelet took part in a signing ceremony.

Following the wreath-laying, Their Excellencies proceeded to the Crypt of Bernardo O’Higgins.

"With this State visit, I hope to build on our similarities and on our historic people-to-people ties, as well as the more than 70 years of good relations between our nations. Canada and Chile are like-minded and strategic partners in a number of important areas, such as democracy, human rights, and science and technology."

The Court’s 21 members are appointed by the President of the Republic of Chile and adjudicate over cases in groups of at least five judges, with the most senior judge presiding over each group.

His Excellency met with Sergio Manuel Muñoz Gajardo, President of the Supreme Court of Chile.

His Excellency also met with Aldo Cornejo, President of the Chamber of Deputies.

The meeting took place at the Ex Congreso Nacional Building.

The Governor General and members of the Canadian delegation then met with Carolina Tohá Morales, Mayor of Santiago.

Following the meeting, the Mayor and the Governor General proceeded to the Plenary Room for a special ceremony.

The Mayor awarded His Excellency the keys to the city and the title of “Illustrious Guest”, in honour of his visit.

On this occasion, the Governor General was also presented with a Mapuche indigenous poncho. "This truly is a remarkable city," said His Excellency. "As the capital of Chile, so much of your country’s culture, business, academia and history are found here. And, this particular section, this comuna of Santiago, is the historic core of a metropolitan area that is so central to the country’s economy; an astounding 45 per cent of Chile’s GDP is earned in your comuna. Given its importance, I am delighted that my wife, Sharon, and the entire Canadian delegation could join me in exploring this city and meeting with its wonderful people."

The ceremony concluded with a cultural performance in the foyer of City Hall.

The Governor General and the President delivered remarks and offered toasts on this occasion.

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation took part in a State luncheon hosted by President Bachelet, in honour of their visit to the country.

Following their meeting, the Governor General and President Bachelet delivered statements to members of the media.

His remains are honoured and protected at the Crypt.

Bernardo O’Higgins was the Founding Father of Chile and a heroic leader of national independence in Chile and Latin America.

Joined by Mr. Dávalos Bachelet, Her Excellency visited Fondacio, a non-governmental organization that uses occupational and horticultural therapy to help people with physical and mental disabilities live independent, fulfilling lives.

The program focuses on teaching participants how to produce traditional herbal medicines.

Mrs. Johnston then proceeded to the greenhouse—built with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives—to participate in workshops with the beneficiaries. She spoke with them about how the program has helped them overcome their own personal challenges while allowing them to support the organization through the sale of medicinal plants in stores.

The Governor General laid a wreath at the Monument to Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean leader who freed Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence.

The Chilean War of Independence (1810-1821) was an armed conflict between pro-independence Chileans seeking political and economic autonomy from Spain, and royalists supporting continued allegiance to the Captaincy General of Chile and membership in the Spanish Empire. The Monument to Bernardo O’Higgins is located at the Plaza de la Ciudadanía.

The Governor General was officially welcomed by Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile. During the ceremony, the Governor General received military honours.

During his meeting with President Bachelet, the Governor General discussed Canada’s ongoing strategic partnership with Chile.

In 2006, Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet became Chile’s first ever female president. Her first mandate ended in 2010. She was inaugurated as President of Chile for a second time on March 11, 2014, for the 2014-2018 period.

The Governor General also performed a few dance steps!