Visit to the United States of America - Day 1

The Governor General spoke on The Diplomacy of Knowledge: Innovation Exchange Across Bordersto UCLA officials, faculty and students. "An inclusive approach to learning and innovation is essential to a successful society. Canadians by and large welcome the world to Canada, and we are eager to learn from others—including from great American institutions such as UCLA."

During the Conference, the Governor General also had the opportunity to meet with the President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.

On April 29, 2014, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, attended a panel discussion on innovation presented at the 2014 Milken Global Conference held in Los Angeles. The Conference welcomes 3 000 leading thinkers from disparate disciplines to exchange ideas and solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. These high-powered CEOs, investors, innovators, policy-makers, philanthropists, educators and scientists challenge each other’s thinking on topics from financial markets, economic development, energy, and global health, to public policy, education, media and technology.

He will also meet with key American business leaders such as Michael Milken, Chairman of the Milken Institute.

The Governor General joined by Cindy Fan, Vice-Provost of International Studies at UCLA, toured the campus and discussed the university's relationship with Canada. In April 2012, the International Institute, under the leadership of Mrs. Fan, became the permanent administrative home for the Canadian Studies Program.

The Governor General delivered an address on the theme of Canada-United States: Training the Next Generation of Researchers and Innovators with officials and faculty from the UCLA Canadian Studies Program, the International Institute, the Burkle Center for International Relations, and the California Nanotechnology Institute.

A discussion on innovation and the partnership between UCLA and Canada followed and was moderated by Mrs. Fan,Vice-Provost for International Studies. Established in 2001, the Canadian Studies Program at UCLA fosters a better understanding of Canadian society and its relationship with the United States. Through its teaching, research and public lecture series, the program facilitates awareness of issues of mutual concern to the two countries among students, faculty and the public at large.

Following his address, he participated in a question-and-answer period with the audience.

The Governor General met with recipients of the Order of Canada living in California to recognize their contributions to both Canada and the U.S. He discussed with them how Canada can increase its partnerships with creative industries located in the southern California region. 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. The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country).