June 4 to 7, 2024
Their Excellencies Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook their first official visit to New Brunswick.
The visit to New Brunswick focused on reconciliation, digital respect, mental health, nature and the environment, military commemorations and youth.
June 4, 2024
Upon her arrival, the Governor General was greeted by Their Honours the Honourable Brenda Murphy, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, Linda Boyle and several provincial dignitaries including the Honourable Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick, as well as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Bill Oliver.
Afterwards, she viewed a curated collection of artworks by Indigenous artists.
In the evening, the Governor General sat down with Indigenous children, their parents, Elders and school staff to take part in an interactive activity to encourage the revitalization of the Wolastoqey language.
June 5, 2024
The Governor General participated in a fireside chat and a panel discussion with New Brunswickers on the impacts of online harassment and emerging solutions to build a safe and respectful digital world.
Afterwards, she met with a cross-section of Caraquet citizens and toured the Village with a historian to learn more about the daily lives of the Acadian people from 1770 to 1949.
The Governor General then payed a visit to a group of adults aged 19 to 63 with intellectual, developmental and/or other disabilities that regularly use the services at Atelier La Rencontre.
In the evening, the Governor General attended a cultural evening hosted by the city of Caraquet in collaboration with the Festival Acadien de Caraquet, featuring musical performances from young students at École Trémolo, local musical talent and Acadian poetry.
June 6, 2024
The Governor General met with members of Natoaganeg First Nation, the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council’s Anqotum Resource Management department, and the Atlantic Salmon Federation. She then travelled to the Northwest Miramichi River to meet with Mi’kmaq harvesters conducting the only commercial fishery for striped bass in Canada.
In the afternoon the Governor General laid a wreath, revealed a commemorative plaque and tree, and delivered remarks to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
June 7, 2024
The Governor General delivered remarks and unveiled the RCAF 100 Pennfield Ridge centre Monument.
