Visit to British Columbia

January 5, 2025

Upon arrival in Victoria, British Columbia, Governor General Simon was greeted by the newly installed lieutenant governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, at Government House. There they had a chance to discuss the incredible work being done by Pacific Autism Family Network. The Governor General had the pleasure of visiting the facility later that week to witness meaningful inclusion in action and speak with their self-advocates.

Governor General Mary Simon talking with the new British Columbia lieutenant governor, Wendy Cocchia. They are standing inside a room with large windows.

A person showing Governor General Mary Simon how he sets up the coffee machine.

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser standing by coffee machines with 3 other people.

Later that afternoon, Governor General Simon delivered a keynote address at an event hosted by the University of Victoria in honour of the 10 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. She then engaged in meaningful dialogue with students from the University of Victoria where she listened to their reflections and insights on reconciliation.

Governor General Mary Simon standing at a podium. There is a UVic banner to the right.

This ten-year anniversary does not mark an end to our work, but the beginning of a new chapter.

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

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser seated with a group of people. The chairs are positioned in a circle.

January 6, 2025

As part of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, Governor General Simon joined participants at Open Doors Group to witness first-hand how programs that use recreational activities as therapy make a difference in the lives of individuals who are on recovery journeys or who are facing mental health challenges.

Governor General Mary Simon sitting at a table with a group of people. Some are seated, while others are standing. There are several craft supplies on the table.

Governor General Mary Simon sitting next to a woman at a table full of craft supplies. The woman is pointing something out to her.

Later that day, Governor General Simon attended a round-table discussion at Dudes Club, in Vancouver, to learn from mental health experts and change-makers who are sharing their personal experiences to raise awareness and promote innovative practices. After the round-table discussion, participants from NeXup, a youth-lead initiative, gave the Governor General a tour of their music studio and shared some of their music projects.

Governor General Mary Simon speaking with young men from the NeXup youth initiative in their music studio.

A group photo of Governor General Mary Simon, Mr. Whit Fraser and participants from the NeXup youth initiative.

To close out the day, the Governor General delivered remarks at a welcome dinner for members of Canada’s Indigenous veterans delegation. The Canadian Veteran Delegation for Invictus Games 2025 unites Indigenous veterans from across Canada for cultural exchanges and dialogue with the four host First Nations, youth, and Indigenous veterans from other nations.

Governor General Mary Simon holding a microphone. There is a binder in front of her and 2 candles on the table.

Governor General Mary Simon reaching across a table shaking a woman's hand. There are several people mingling in the room.

January 7, 2025

The Governor General took part in a Canadian honours ceremony celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada and who have inspired others to help build a better country. Two Officers and one Member were invested into the Order of Canada; one individual was presented with the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) and another was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.

List of honourees who attended the presentation

What I see in your remarkable contributions is a search for progress and truth.

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

Later that day, as Invictus Team Canada was getting settled in at Nations Home, a place where competitors could relax and prepare for the competitions ahead, the Governor General met with the team to share words of encouragement and let them know that Canada would be cheering them on.

January 8, 2025

Welcoming Ceremony Day for 2025 Invictus Games! Prior to delivering remarks on live national television to kick off the Opening Ceremony, Governor General Simon was honoured to meet with competitors and their friends and family, to honour and celebrate them during a Team Canada breakfast. She listened to their stories and shared her support.

The Governor General also attended a proclamation ceremony hosted by the Premier of British Columbia who proclaimed February 5 to 16, 2025, “Invictus Games Week”.

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser posing for a photo with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and members of the Invictus organization.

These Games are a testament to the courage and fighting spirit of personnel in uniform.

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

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Governor General Mary Simon speaking at a podium during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games.

Members of Invictus Team Canada during the opening ceremony of the games. The bleachers around them are full of people.

January 9, 2025

Throughout the day, Governor General Mary Simon cheered on Canadian competitors in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair curling. She then presented the gold medal to the winning competitors.

A group of people in a gymnasium at a sporting event. Governor General Mary Simon shaking hands with Rick Hansen, while others look on. People are holding red cheering sticks.

Two competitors in wheelchairs on a basketball court. The ball is on the floor in front of them.

Governor General Mary Simon reaching into a box that holds Invictus medals.

Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser standing for a group photo with Invictus competitors and others.

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A group of athletes in wheelchairs linking hands with their arms up in the air.

The Governor General of Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour