September 11 to 15, 2023
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook official visits to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia from September 11 to 15, 2023.
The Governor General plays an important role in helping to bring awareness to issues, and to profile the diverse and innovative communities that make up our country. Official visits are also opportunities for the Governor General, on behalf of Canadians, to recognize and thank people who are making a difference in a range of different fields.
September 11, 2023
Upon arrival, the Governor General was greeted by provincial representatives including Her Honour the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island; the Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island; Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation; and Chief Roderick W. “Junior” Gould, Abegweit First Nation. The Governor General inspected a guard of honour then met with the provincial representatives at Government House.
Later on in the afternoon, Her Excellency visited Serene View Ranch, a centre that provides a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of mental health issues, especially trauma-related difficulties. During her visit, Her Excellency met with staff and clients to learn about the treatment methods available at Serene View Ranch.
September 12, 2023
The Governor General started her day visiting the Abegweit First Nation and the Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery. The hatchery focuses on rearing brook trout and Atlantic salmon for subsequent release into rivers and streams in Prince Edward Island. During her visit, Her Excellency also met with members of the Abegweit First Nation community.
In the afternoon, the Governor General visited the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Prince Edward Island. During her visit, Her Excellency learned about new technologies and student projects that combine engineering, climate action and Indigenous knowledge.
In the evening, the Governor General attended and delivered remarks at an official reception hosted by Her Honour the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island.
September 13, 2023
In the morning, the Governor General visited Charlottetown Rural High School, which serves students in grades 10-12, from both rural and urban areas near Charlottetown. During her visit, Her Excellency met with students and participated in a Q&A session. Her Excellency will also met with new Canadian students who are learning English.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Upon her arrival in Halifax, the Governor General was greeted by provincial representatives including His Honour the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia; the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia; Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy; and Grand Keptin Antle Denny. The Governor General inspected a guard of honour.
Afterwards, Her Excellency met with the provincial representatives at Governement House.
Her Excellency finished her evening by attendig and delivering remarks at an official reception hosted by His Honour the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
September 14, 2023
As commander-in-chief, the Governor General met with members of the Royal Canadian Navy. This was the Governor General’s first visit with the navy as commander-in-chief. During her visit, Her Excellency met with sailors on board HMCS Ville de Québec and with the Defence Advisory Groups (DAGs), which contribute to employment equity and diversity within the Department of National Defence and throughout the CAF.
Afterwards, the Governor General met with youth attending an art activity at Laing House. Laing House provides support to youth between the ages of 16 and 29 who have lived mental health experience.
In the afternoon, Her Excellency traveled to Tantallon Fire Station 65 to meet with local firefighters, first responders and volunteers who were on the front lines of the recent wildfires in Tantallon.
September 15, 2023
Pictou, Nova Scotia
In the morning, the Governor General delivered remarks at the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Ship Hector in Pictou.
In the afternoon, Her Excellency attended and delivered remarks at a reception held by the Black Cultural Centre in light of its 40th anniversary. Her Excellency also met with community elders, youth and descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
