OTTAWA,
ON, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies
the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will
undertake an official visit to Newfoundland and Labrador from June 29
to July 5, 2024.
This visit marks Her Excellency's first official trip to the
province as governor general, and will be an opportunity to learn
about Newfoundland and
Labrador's rich history and
vibrant culture.
As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General will participate
in two military commemorations: the repatriation of an unknown
Newfoundland First World War soldier and the Centennial of the
Newfoundland National War Memorial. Her Excellency will also take
part in celebrations of Newfoundland and Labrador's 75th anniversary and
Canada Day.
The visit to Newfoundland and
Labrador will highlight activities
related to the Governor General's priorities, including
reconciliation, mental health, climate change and innovation. She
will meet with Indigenous leaders; launch the Mental Health
Learning and Listening Tour; and highlight success stories of
integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern science to create
sustainable to solutions to such pressing challenges as climate
change and food security. 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.
Itinerary:
Note: Times are indicated in Newfoundland Daylight Time
(NDT). The following itinerary is subject to change on short notice
to not disrupt wildfire relief efforts in Labrador.
St. John's, Newfoundland and
Labrador
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Walkabout in St.
John's
Throughout the day, the Governor General will connect with local
residents and business owners to learn more about the unique
character and rich history of the city.
Sunday, June 30, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony
The Governor General will be greeted by provincial dignitaries
including Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward,
Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Governor General will also
inspect a guard of honour.
Confederation Building
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Emily-Jane
Gillingham, 709-729-5889, emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca
10:15 a.m.
Lying-in-state of an unknown Newfoundland First World War
soldier
The Governor General will pay her respects to the unknown soldier
during the lying-in-state.
Confederation Building
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Emily-Jane
Gillingham, 709-729-5889, emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca
10:30 a.m.
Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Governor General will meet with Their Honours the Honourable
Joan Marie J. Aylward, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Mr. Carl
Thompson.
Confederation Building
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
11:00 a.m.
Meeting with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Dr. Allison Furey.
Confederation Building
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
11:45 a.m.
Visit to The Gathering Place
The Governor General will serve meals at The Gathering Place, a
community health centre that helps people in need by providing
food, clothes, medical and dental care, and support. During the
visit, the Governor General will also learn about the many services
The Gathering Place provides to their guests.
Learn more about The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
6:30 p.m.
2024 Annual Beaumont-Hamel Commemorative Dinner
The Governor General will attend and provide remarks at the annual
Beaumont-Hamel Commemorative Dinner. This dinner is a long-standing
tradition honouring the memory of soldiers who marched towards
Beaumont-Hamel on the eve of the
battle.
Garrison St. John's
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Monday, July 1
10:00 a.m.
Official ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the
Newfoundland National War Memorial and the reinternment of the
remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
The Governor General will participate in a special ceremony
marking 100 years since the National War Memorial was built. During
this ceremony the remains of the unknown soldier will be placed in
a special tomb to represent all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
with no known graves.
Learn more about the Repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland First
World War soldier
Newfoundland National War Memorial
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Emily-Jane Gillingham, 709-729-5889,
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca
3:00 p.m.
Canada Day celebrations at Alderwood Estates Retirement
Living
The Governor General will celebrate Canada Day with the residents
of Alderwood Estates and their families. The residents will
showcase their talents such as singing and dancing.
Alderwood Estates Retirement Living, Witless Bay
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Renee
Houlihan, 709-687-5676, reneehoulihan@gmail.com
Tuesday, July 2
10:00 a.m.
Investiture Ceremony as Honorary Chief Commissioner of the Canadian
Coast Guard (CCG)
The Governor General will be invested as honorary chief
commissioner of the CCG. Established in 1976, this role involves
the Governor General participating in national ceremonies and
events to promote the CCG's work in saving lives and protecting the
marine environment.
Learn more about the Canadian Coast Guard
Canadian Coast Guard Base, 250 Southside Rd.
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
at Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
1:30 p.m.
Wellness Workshop with Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services
The Governor General will participate in a mental health and
wellness workshop, and engage with Lifewise members and staff to
learn about their experiences and the positive impact the
organization has had on them. Lifewise is an organization based on
lived experience that offers peer support for people living with
mental health and addiction issues. It serves as a great example of
a leading practice in mental health support.
Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services, St. John's Region, 70 The
Blvd
Learn more about Lifewise Mental Health Peer
Services.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
2:15 p.m.
Mental Health Learning and Listening Round-table
Discussion
As part of the Governor General's mental health
priority, Her Excellency will host a round-table discussion that
brings together people with lived experiences, health professionals
and experts so that their best practices and knowledge inspire
programming elsewhere in Canada.
Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services, St. John's Region, 70 The
Blvd
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
6:45 p.m.
Reception hosted by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Governor General will attend and deliver remarks at a reception
hosted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. During this reception, the Governor
General will also present national honours to remarkable Canadians
who have made significant contributions to Canada.
See the list of recipients that will receive their honours during
this special ceremony.
The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Ave
OPEN TO MEDIA FOR
REMARKS
Media Contact: Meghan
McCabe, 709-729-3960, meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Happy Valley-Goose Bay,
Newfoundland and Labrador
Wednesday, July 3
10:45 a.m.
Visit to the Opioid Dependency Treatment Hub
The Governor
General will visit the Opioid Dependence Treatment Hub (ODT Hub) to
learn about the services and support provided to individuals with
opioid use disorder (OUD) and their families. This includes
providing medication, withdrawal support and counselling, as well
as teaching individuals how to administer naloxone. During the
visit, the Governor General will participate in a training session
to learn how to safely administer naloxone. The Governor General
will also hear first-hand from individuals with lived experience
using the ODT Hub.
Labrador Health Centre, 227 Hamilton River
Road
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ONLY
3:00 p.m.
Visit to MUN's Pye Centre for Northern Boreal Food
Systems
The Governor General will visit Memorial University's Pye Centre, a hub for
community-led and northern-focused food systems research,
education, community connections, production and distribution in
the region. The Pye Centre combines Indigenous and local knowledge
systems to improve food security and access to fresh food in the
region, particularly in northern areas.
Learn more about MUN's Pye Centre for Northern Boreal Food
Systems
80 Mud Lake Road
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Ashlee Cunsolo, 709-897-4123,
ashlee.cunsolo@mun.ca
Thursday, July 4
10:30 a.m.
Visit with Innu Nation Students on Ice and Indigenous Guardians
program participants
The Governor General will meet with Innu youth and Guardians.
During her visit to Akamiu-Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains
National Park Reserve, the Governor General will meet with Innu
youth currently on an expedition that provides exposure to marine
science for the management of Innu
Nation's waters.
Learn more about the Innu Nation Uinipekᵁ Expedition 2024
Swallow Harbour
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Donna
Paddon, 709-899-5799, kashkuan@gmail.com
Gander, Newfoundland and
Labrador
7:15 p.m.
Meet and Greet with the cast of Come From Away
Following a preview performance of the musical Come From
Away, the Governor General will meet with the cast and crew—as
well as some of the actual people who inspired the characters—to
celebrate Canadian artistic achievement. Come From Away
highlights the warmth, kindness and generosity of Canadians,
particularly the residents of Gander and the surrounding communities in
Newfoundland and Labrador, during a crisis.
Smallwood Arts and Cultural
Centre, 155 Airport Blvd, Gander
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Michael
Rubinoff, 416-525-7787,
mrubinoff@comefromawaygander.ca
Friday, July 5
10:00 a.m.
Visit to 9 Wing Gander
As commander-in-chief, the Governor General will meet with members
of the Canadian Armed Forces at 9 Wing Gander. During her visit,
the Governor General will also learn about the search and rescue
services that 9 Wing provides throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as north-eastern
Quebec.
Learn more about 9 Wing Gander
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Quick facts
- This will be Governor General Simon's first official visit to
Newfoundland and Labrador.
- This visit is part of a larger objective of visiting each
province and territory to engage with Canadians from across the
country.
- 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.
- As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General will also
recognize the importance of Canada's military by meeting with members of
the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from across the country.
Notes for media
- Members of the media must confirm their attendance at select
events with the media contacts listed above.
- Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via
media@gg.ca.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada