State visit to the Federal Republic of Germany

October 17 to 21, 2021

At the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Fraser undertook a State visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from October 17 to October 21, 2021, which included stops in Berlin and Frankfurt.

The focus of the visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and Germany and represent Canada at the world’s largest publishing trade show, the Frankfurt Book Fair, at which Canada was this year’s “Guest of Honour.”

October 17, 2021

Upon their arrival in Berlin, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation were greeted by German and Canadian officials.

The Government of Canada plane is on the tarmac at the airport. The door to the plane is open and the stairs are open waiting for the passengers to descend.

At the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser undertook a State visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-001
The Government of Canada plane is on the tarmac at the airport. The door to the plane is open and the stairs are open waiting for the passengers to descend. There is a red carpet at the base of the plane.

The State visit included stops in Berlin and Frankfurt.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-003
A man in uniform is saluting an official from the German govermment. They are outside standing on the red carpet on the tarmac at the airport.

The focus of the visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and Germany, and to represent Canada at the world’s largest publishing trade show, the Frankfurt Book Fair, at which Canada was this year’s guest of honour.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-004
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are descending from a plane. It is nighttime.

Over the next few days, the Governor General represented Canada at a variety of meetings and events in Berlin and Frankfurt.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-006
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are greeted by German and Canadian officials. They are on a red carpet at the foot of a plane. There are people in military uniform along the red carpet. It is nighttime.

Upon their arrival in the capital, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation were greeted by German and Canadian officials.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-008
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are greeted by German and Canadian officials. They are on a red carpet at the foot of a plane. There are people in military uniform along the red carpet. It is nighttime.

Governor General Mary Simon met with several German leaders, including His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-009
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are greeted by German and Canadian officials. They are on a red carpet at the foot of a plane. There are people in military uniform along the red carpet. It is nighttime.

Governor General Mary Simon visited several important sites, tour unique exhibits and represented Canada at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair, among other activities.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-010
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are greeted by German and Canadian officials. They are on a red carpet at the foot of a plane. There are people in military uniform along the red carpet. It is nighttime.

Upon their arrival in the capital, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation were greeted by German and Canadian officials.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-012

October 18, 2021

In the morning, the Governor General met with His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Upon arrival, Their Excellencies signed the guest book and were greeted with a welcome ceremony.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies and the President of Germany visited an exhibit at the Humboldt Forum that features Canadian artefacts, including two West Coast Indigenous totem poles.

Later in the day, the Governor General met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Their Excellencies then met with Mr. Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate. Together, they toured this historical landmark, which today stands as a national symbol of peace and unity.

In the evening, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation attended a State dinner hosted by the President. The Governor General and the President delivered remarks on the occasion.

 
Large white Victorian-style building with a red carpet outside. The front door is open. There are three men in military uniform and three men in suits.

At the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook a State visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from October 17 to October 21, 2021.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-163
Their Excellencies and two other people are standing on the red carpet at the base of the stairs outside a large white building.

This was Her Excellency’s first state visit as Governor General.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-164
The Governor General is greeted by a man from the German government.

The trip included stops in Berlin and Frankfurt.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-165
The Governor General is sitting at a wooden desk. She is signing the guest book. President Steinmeier is standing to her left. Ms. Elke Büdenbender and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are standing to her right. There are several flags behind her.

“By reaching beyond languages and borders, and by listening to and learning from each other, we can promote inclusion and diversity in our respective countries and on the world stage.” 

- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-166
A large white building. There are people standing outside. There are three flags hanging on poles.

In Berlin, Her Excellency’s program included meetings with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the Governing Mayor of Berlin.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-168
The Governor General and President of Germany are walking on a red carpet at Schloss Bellevue. There are people in military uniform standing along the red carpet.

The Governor General plays an important role in Canada’s international relations by travelling abroad on State visits, like this one, to strengthen Canada’s relationships with the world and to promote Canadian excellence.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-170
The Governor General and President of Germany are walking on a red carpet at Schloss Bellevue. There are people in military uniform standing along the red carpet.

As one of the lead negotiators for the creation of the international Arctic Council, Her Excellency helped build the foundation where both countries, Canada as an Arctic state and Germany as a permanent observer on the Council, now collaborate on Arctic projects focused on climate action, Arctic biodiversity and sustainability.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-171
Members of the Canadian delegation standing in a row outside the large white building.

The focus of the visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and Germany. 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-172
The President of Germany and Governor General are sitting at a wooden table, six feet apart. They are talking. There is furniture along the wall.

Governor General Mary May Simon met with Germany’s Head of State, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, at Schloss Bellevue.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-173
A photo of Their Excellencies signatures in a guest book.

In the morning, the Governor General met with His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Upon arrival, Their Excellencies signed the guest book and were greeted with a welcome ceremony.
 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-174
Her Excellency and a group of people outdoors wearing masks.

"By reaching beyond languages and borders, and by listening to and learning from each other, we can promote inclusion and diversity in our respective countries and on the world stage." 

- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-176
Her Excellency walking with members of the German government. The Canadian delegation is following behind. Some people are wearing masks.

This was Her Excellency’s first state visit as Governor General.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-177
A group of people standing on the balcony of an indoor gallery overlooking a piece of art.

The Humboldt Forum opened in 2021, and is a collaboration of four cultural and educational institutions: the Humboldt Forum Foundation; the Culture Project Berlin and the Berlin City Museum; the Ethnological Museum and Asian Art Museum; and the Humboldt University.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-180
A group of people standing on the balcony of an indoor gallery overlooking a piece of art.

The Humboldt Forum opened in 2021, and is a collaboration of four cultural and educational institutions: the Humboldt Forum Foundation; the Culture Project Berlin and the Berlin City Museum; the Ethnological Museum and Asian Art Museum; and the Humboldt University.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-182
Her Excellency is sitting at a desk signing a book.

Governor General Mary Simon and President Steinmeier visited the Humboldt Forum, a museum dedicated to bringing history, culture, arts and academia together under one roof.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-184
The Governor General and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser are standing in front of a totem pole. Ms. Elke Büdenbender is standing to Mr. Fraser’s right. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is standing to the Governor General’s left.

Governor General Mary Simon and President Steinmeier visited the Humboldt Forum, a museum dedicated to bringing history, culture, arts and academia together under one roof.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-185
Her Excellency greeting Angela Merkel.

The Governor General met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and the first woman to serve in this role. The Governor General thanked Chancellor Merkel for her long-standing contributions, and for her role in strengthening our growing bilateral relations.met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-187
View from behind of Her Excellency and Angela Merkel admiring the city’s landscape.

The Governor General met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and the first woman to serve in this role. The Governor General thanked Chancellor Merkel for her long-standing contributions, and for her role in strengthening our growing bilateral relations.met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-188
Governor General Mary Simon and Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, are standing on a balcony. The Bundestag is visible behind them.

The Governor General met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and the first woman to serve in this role. The Governor General thanked Chancellor Merkel for her long-standing contributions, and for her role in strengthening our growing bilateral relations.met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-190
Governor General Mary Simon and Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, are standing on a balcony. The Bundestag is visible behind them.

The Governor General met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and the first woman to serve in this role. The Governor General thanked Chancellor Merkel for her long-standing contributions, and for her role in strengthening our growing bilateral relations.met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-191
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a table. She is sitting across from Her Excellency Angela Merkel, German Chancellor.There is water, warm drinks and pastries on the table. The Governor General is smiling.

The Governor General met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany and the first woman to serve in this role. The Governor General thanked Chancellor Merkel for her long-standing contributions, and for her role in strengthening our growing bilateral relations.met with Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-192
Her Excellency with a bouquet of flowers waving to a crowd.

"Canadians and Germans share so much: core values, personal ties and common ground. More than 3 million Canadians are of German descent, deepening our people-to-people ties." 

- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-197
Her Excellency stops and speaks to a crowd of people.

"Canadians and Germans share so much: core values, personal ties and common ground. More than 3 million Canadians are of German descent, deepening our people-to-people ties." 

- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-200
Mr. Michael Müller, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser. They are smiling and standing on the street in front of the Brandenburg Gate. There is a crowd gathered along the street behind them.

Their Excellencies and Mr. Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin, visited the Brandenburg Gate. One of Berlin’s important landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was once a symbol of national divide but is now a symbol of peace and unity.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-201
Mr. Michael Müller, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser. They are smiling and standing on the street in front of the Brandenburg Gate. There is a crowd gathered along the street behind them.

Their Excellencies and Mr. Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin, visited the Brandenburg Gate. One of Berlin’s important landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was once a symbol of national divide but is now a symbol of peace and unity.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-202
Her Excellency is sitting at a desk signing a book.

The Governor General met with Mr. Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin. At the beginning of the meeting, Their Excellencies signed the guest book.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-203
Their Excellencies stand on the red carpet with two other people in formal evening attire at the entrance to a building.

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation attended a State Dinner hosted by His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-204
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Governor General Mary Simon are standing beside each other. There are three flags behind them: the flag of Germany, the European flag and the flag of Canada.

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation attended a State Dinner hosted by His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-205
A man standing at a podium speaking to the crowd at the State dinner.

His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, delivered remarks at the State Dinner.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-206
Her Excellency standing at a podium speaking to the crowd at the State dinner.

Governor General Mary Simon delivered remarks during her first State dinner as Canada’s Governor General.

“Canada and Germany are good friends and committed allies, with shared values and strong personal ties. Those personal ties are reinforced by the more than 3 million Canadians of German descent.”

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-208

October 19, 2021

In the morning, the Governor General laid a wreath at the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany on behalf of Canada to pay respect to the victims of war and tyranny.

Next, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation made their way to Frankfurt, where they were greeted by German government representatives.

Later in the afternoon, Their Excellencies headed to the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair, where the Governor General delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the 73rd edition of the Fair.

The theme of Canada’s Guest of Honour year is “Singular Plurality—Singulier Pluriel,” an expression meant to capture Canada’s culture of diversity, where each of us is unique but connected as a whole both by our differences and by our shared values.

Later, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation toured the Canadian Pavilion.

The Canadian Pavilion is inspired by the vastness of the country’s regions, and its cultural, linguistic and historical diversity. Highlights of the pavilion include an installation inspired by the Canadian landscape, as well as virtual and interactive content developed to showcase the official literary delegation.

Large building in the background. Members of the German military are standing in uniform. They are outdoors.

Governor General Mary May Simon laid a wreath to commemorate the victims of war and tyranny at the Neue Wache in Berlin.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-212
Governor General Mary May Simon is laying a large wreath.There are people standing along the wall behind her.

Governor General Mary May Simon laid a wreath to commemorate the victims of war and tyranny at the Neue Wache in Berlin.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-227
Governor General Mary May Simon is standing in front of a large wreath. Her hands are joined in front of her. There are people standing along the wall behind her.

Governor General Mary May Simon laid a wreath to commemorate the victims of war and tyranny at the Neue Wache in Berlin.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-230
Their Excellencies are in a museum observing a piece of art. They are each speaking with someone respectively.

Their Excellencies also visited the Jewish Museum Berlin. Governor General and her husband with Hetty Berg, Director of the Jewish Museum Berlin, (on the left), and Aubrey Pomerance, Head of Archives.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-264
Their Excellencies are walking down the hallway in a museum. A small group of people are following them.

Governor General and her husband with Hetty Berg, Director of the Jewish Museum Berlin, (on the left), and Aubrey Pomerance, Head of Archives, along with other individuals from the delegation.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-268
Photo of the art display from the museum.

The Memory Void of the Libeskind Building, with the art installation Shalekhet (Fallen Leaves) by the Israeli artist Menashe Kadishman.

 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-269
Governor General Mary May Simon, Mr. Whit Grant Fraser and Dr. Philipp Nimmermann are talking at the foot of a flight of stairs. Governor General May Simon is holding a bouquet.

Next, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation made their way to Frankfurt, where they were greeted by German government representatives.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-313
Governor General Mary May Simon and Dr. Philipp Nimmermann, Representative of the Federal State of Hessen, are walking along a red carpet. There is a line of military officers lining both sides of the red carpet.

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation made their way to Frankfurt, where they were greeted by German government representatives.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-316
Their Excellencies are seated in the front row at the Canada Pavilion for the opening of the Frankfurt Book Fair. There is an audience seated behind them.

Their Excellencies at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair. 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-327
A lady is singing. She is standing at a microphone. She is dressed in formal evening wear.

The theme of Canada’s Guest of Honour year is “Singular Plurality—Singulier Pluriel,” an expression meant to capture Canada’s culture of diversity, where each of us is unique but connected as a whole both by our differences and by our shared values.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-336
Governor General Mary May Simon is standing behind a grey podium. She is wearing a rose pink suit. Behind her is a dark blue curtain. On the podium, there is red text that reads, “Frankfurter Buchmesse.”

The Governor General delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the 73rd edition of the Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-346
Her Excellency is delivery remarks at a podium. The room is dark and there is a light show which surrounds her.

The Governor General delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the 73rd edition of the Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-351
Governor General Mary May Simon is standing behind a grey podium. She is wearing a rose pink suit. Behind her is a dark blue curtain.

The Governor General delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the 73rd edition of the Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-356
Their Excellencies are standing in a small group admiring the light show at the Canada Pavilion.

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation toured the Canadian Pavilion.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-363
Their Excellencies are standing in a small group admiring the light show at the Canada Pavilion.

The Canadian Pavilion is inspired by the vastness of the country’s regions, and its cultural, linguistic and historical diversity. 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-365
Governor General Mary May Simon is standing in front of a large illuminated art display made of blue, green, and yellow ramps with projections on them. She is smiling.

Highlights of the pavilion include an installation inspired by the Canadian landscape, as well as virtual and interactive content developed to showcase the official literary delegation.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-367

October 20, 2021

In the morning, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation toured the exhibit The Ones we Met—Inuit Traditional Knowledge and the Franklin Expedition at the Frankfurt Museum of Archaeology. Afterwards, Their Excellencies participated in a round-table discussion with Dr. Professor Marcus Rex, leader of the MOSAiC polar expedition, who described the preliminary findings of the expedition as well as the challenges and opportunities he faced during his year in the Arctic.

That afternoon, His Excellency Whit Fraser moderated a panel discussion at the “20 on 2020” e-book event. The discussion featured two Canadian authors, Kim Thúy and Blaise Ndala, and German author, Simone Buchholz who contributed to the project.

This e-book, which is a collection of essays written by 10 Canadian authors and 10 German authors, presents their experiences and observations on the unforgettable year of 2020, the apogee of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Later in the day, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation visited the Canadian cultural installations in the Frankfurt Old Town.
 

On their final night of the trip, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation attended an evening of Canadian author talks and cultural performances at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

 
The Governor General and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser and a man in a dark suit are walking together inside.

The first half of today’s program struck a beautiful balance between moments of reflection and meaningful conversations.
The Arctic, a subject close to Their Excellencies’ hearts, was the focus of this morning’s activities.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-375
Governor General Mary May Simon, Mr. Whit Grant Fraser and a man wearing a black suit are standing in front a window. The man in the black suit is wearing a pin featuring the flag of Canada and the flag of Germany.

They delved into the exhibit “The Ones we Met – Inuit Traditional Knowledge and the Franklin Expedition” at the Frankfurt Museum of Archaeology. 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-381
The Governor General and Mr. Fraser are sitting at a table with six other people. Ms. Simon is looking down at the table and Mr. Fraser is speaking while gesturing with his hands.

Afterwards, Their Excellencies participated in a round-table discussion on Arctic expeditions.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-385
The Governor General and Mr. Fraser are sitting at a table with six other people. Ms. Simon is looking down at the table and Mr. Fraser is speaking while gesturing with his hands.

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Ambassador of Canada to the Federal Republic of Germany and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, moderated the discussion.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-394
The Governor General and Mr. Fraser are sitting at a table with six other people. In the background there is a Canadian flag and to its left a German flag. There is also a suit of armour on a display rack.

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Ambassador of Canada to the Federal Republic of Germany and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, moderated the discussion.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-401
Mr. Fraser is sitting with his legs crossed in a black leather chair. He has a notebook in his right hand with a piece of paper wrapped around it. His left hand is open and raised to the side in a relaxed gesture. He is smiling.

An author himself, His Excellency Whit Grant Fraser moderated a discussion panel featuring 3 of the contributors to “20 on 2020, 10 Canadian and 10 German Authors on a Year Like No Other,” a collection of essays about the pandemic.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-420
Mr. Fraser is speaking. He is sitting on a stage in a black leather chair. His legs are crossed. He is holding a notebook in his right hand. Simone Buchholz is sitting in a chair to his left.

An author himself, His Excellency Whit Grant Fraser moderated a discussion panel featuring 3 of the contributors to “20 on 2020, 10 Canadian and 10 German Authors on a Year Like No Other,” a collection of essays about the pandemic.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-426
The Governor General is seated at the Canada Pavilion. The lighting is dark. She is smiling.

This digital collection of essays presented the unique experiences and observations of 20 authors at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-441
Mr. Fraser is seated on stage. He is not speaking and is listening to the other presenters on the panel.

This digital collection of essays presented the unique experiences and observations of 20 authors at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-442
Governor General Mary May Simon and Mr. Fraser pose on a street in Old Town Frankfurt. Mr. Fraser has his arm around Ms. May Simon and they are smiling. There are colourful buildings in the background and several vendor tents.

Later in the day, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation visited the Canadian cultural installations in the Frankfurt Old Town.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-477
Governor General Mary May Simon on a street in Old Town Frankfurt. She is beside a man who is accompanying her. There are colourful buildings in the background and several vendor tents.uildings in the background and several vendor tents.

Later in the day, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation visited the Canadian cultural installations in the Frankfurt Old Town.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-482
Their Excellencies are speaking with a man on a street in Old Town Frankfurt. The Governor General is smiling.

Feeling quite at home despite being abroad, Governor General Mary May Simon could not have asked for a better way to end her first State visit.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-492
Their Excellencies are speaking with a woman on a street in Old Town Frankfurt. The Governor General is smiling.

From the menus in restaurants to the art installations in Frankfurt’s Old Town, the city found ways to blend Canadian culture in with its own to celebrate Canada being the guest of honour at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-515
Their Excellencies are outdoors. They are standing with a group of people admiring a bicycle cart from the Frankfurt Book Fair.

From the menus in restaurants to the art installations in Frankfurt’s Old Town, the city found ways to blend Canadian culture in with its own to celebrate Canada being the guest of honour at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-519
Iskwē and an accompanying musician are on a stage. Iskwē is wearing a red dress and singing into a microphone. Her accompanying musician is wearing a black dress and is sitting behind a keyboard playing a song.

On their final night of the trip, Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation attended an evening of Canadian author talks and cultural performances at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-532
Dallas Arcand is on a stage, he is performing an Indigenous hoop dance with 11 hoops. He is dressed in a traditional outfit that is very colourful. Behind him are several wooden chairs.

This night featured performances by Canadian artists Iskwe, Dallas Arcand, Deantha Edmunds and Vivek Shraya; and Canadian authors Margaret Atwood (joining virtually), Kim Thúy, Paul Seesequasis, Michel Jean, Catherine Mavrikakis and Michael Crummey.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-538
Deantha Edmunds is standing on a stage with her hands clasped in front of her. She is wearing a red shirt with white fur around the collar and a navy skirt. She is speaking into a microphone.

Canada Night at the FBM2021 saw the Festhalle bursting with talent and inspiration.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-546
The Governor General is standing behind a grey podium. She is speaking into a microphone. On the podium, there is red text that reads, “Frankfurter Buchmesse.” Behind her a screen reads "Singular Plurality, Singulier Pluriel."

It was a beautiful opportunity for Canadian artists and writers to show the world the meaning behind this year’s theme of Singular Plurality.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-550
Governor General Mary May Simon is standing behind a grey podium. She is speaking into a microphone. On the podium, there is red text that reads, “Frankfurter Buchmesse.” She is wearing a black and red shirt.

The Governor General delivered remarks at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-552
Governor General Mary May Simon is standing on a stage. To her right is a grey podium, to her left are four performers, in order an accompanying musician, Iskwē, Dallas Arcand, and Deantha Edmunds. She is looking at them and clapping.

The event was a beautiful opportunity for Canadian artists and writers to show the world the meaning behind this year’s theme of Singular Plurality.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0082-554

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