Visit to Newfoundland and Labrador - September 20, 2018

On September 20, 2018, Her Excellency was officially welcomed to the Newfoundland and Labrador province with a ceremony during which she received military honours including a guard of honour, the “Viceregal Salute” and a 21-gun salute.

Her Excellency inspected the guard of honour which was comprised of members of the 5th Canadian Division, the Naval Reserve, Air Reserve Flight Torbay, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and 5th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.

During the inspection of the guard of honour, the Governor General stopped to thank members for their service.

Afterwards, the Governor General met with members of the public who were gathered to watch the welcoming ceremony.

Afterwards, the Governor General presented Her Honour the Honourable Judy Foote, Lieutenant Governor, and the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, a picture of the province taken from space.

Her Excellency delivered brief remarks to thank the Canadian Coast Guard for this honour.

Next, Her Excellency presented Exemplary Service Medals to members of the Canadian Coast Guard.

In the afternoon, the Governor General visited Memorial University’s Fisheries and Marine Institute where she tried out the Hibernia Offshore Operations Simulator

Next, she visited the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources’ flume tank where youth from Eastern Edge Robotics tested their remotely operated vehicles.

Later, the Governor General invited members of the public to join her for a hike at the Signal Hill National Historic Site.

The hike took place at Signal Hill which was the site of St. John’s harbour defences from the 17th century to the Second World War, and where Guglielmo Marconi received the world’s first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.

This hike was part new initiative called GGActive, which aims to promote health and fitness.

In the evening, Her Excellency attended a public concert given by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band on the lawn of Government House.

During the concert, Her Excellency met with members of the public.

Later, Her Excellency proceeded to Government House to view the Diamond Jubilee Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is now on public display inside the residence. The portrait has been in the Ballroom at Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the Governor General in Ottawa, since 2012, and is undertaking a cross-country tour with its first stop in St. John’s.

During the evening reception, the Governor General presented one Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) and two Sovereign's Medals for Volunteers to three recipients.