Visit to Toronto

He eventually received his accreditation for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, conducted a one-day visit to Toronto on June 19, 2015. He delivered a keynote address entitled Towards 2017: What Are We Giving to Canada? He talked about some of the specific challenges facing Canada as we approach 2017, and how the 150th anniversary can be a catalyst for building a better country. He also gave special focus to the need to be innovative in our giving if we are to truly seize the occasion.

The Governor General concluded his visit with an address to the audience: "The Gardiner Museum and Canada’s National Ballet School are committed to showcasing and supporting ceramic artists and dancers. And today, we welcome new givers to the arts community with the launch of the Gardiner’s Young Patrons Circle, as well as the Ballet School’s First Position Patrons. I thank you for being part of such a generous group. Your efforts give more Canadians the chance to live their dream, to make art."

He even voted for the best artwork.

Following the performance, His Excellency visited the RBC Emerging Artists People’s Choice exhibition. The exhibition celebrates new directions in clay through the work of five rising stars of the contemporary art world who are redefining the ceramic medium.

Canada’s National Ballet School’s Creative Challenge inspires the next generation of dance artists to create works, collaborate with other creative individuals, and present these works in non-traditional settings. It encourages students to ask where and how can dance live outside of the theatre. The intent is to explore ways to make ballet more accessible and meaningful in the community.

In the evening, His Excellency attended the launch of the Gardiner Museum’s Young Patron Circle and Canada’s National Ballet School’s Creative Challenge. Upon arrival, he proceeded to the facility’s ground-floor plaza for the Creative Challenge Performance entitled .Begin, choreographed by Philippe Jacques.

More than 24 000 volunteers will ensure that the Toronto 2015 Pan Am (July 10-26) and Parapan Am (August 7-15) Games run successfully. They will work in all areas of the Games, in roles ranging from ticket takers and ushers, to management and leadership roles, to working with the athletes and delegates, to translation and technology, to more specialized roles like officials and sports announcers. The Governor General, joined by Saäd Rafi (left), Chief Executive Officer of the Pan American Games, took this opportunity to thank them.

He also wrote a good luck message to volunteers and organizers on the "Pan Am Wall".

As part of his visit, he also had the opportunity to hand out uniforms and information packages at the uniform collection station.

He also had his photo taken.

In the afternoon, His Excellency visited to the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre and took part in the accreditation process for volunteers. Upon arrival, he proceeded to the security screening.

Following his address, the Governor General answered questions from the audience.

Established in 1903, the Empire Club of Canada is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest and largest, more important speaker’s forum. Its membership and speakers are comprised of some of Canada’s most influential leaders from various professions, businesses, labour, education, government, and cultural organizations. The Empire Club of Canada has hosted over 3 500 prominent Canadian and international leaders—women and men who have distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavour.

Following his visit, the Governor General announced to media that he will be opening the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games on July 10 and August 7.