September 9, 2023
OTTAWA, Ontario—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will undertake 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.
The visits to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia will focus on reconciliation, mental health, climate change and Canada’s history. They will also highlight the efforts of first responders and community members during the recent wildfires, an issue currently affecting Canadians in many communities across the 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.
Itinerary:
Note: Times are indicated in Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Monday, September 11
1 p.m.
Official Welcome Ceremony
Upon arrival, the Governor General will be 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 will inspect a guard of honour.
Government House
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Cindy Cheverie, 902-368-5480, CCCHEVERIE@gov.pe.ca;
Debbie Atkinson, 902-368-6889, djatkinson@gov.pe.ca
1:30 p.m.
Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island
The Governor General will meet with Her Honour the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the start of the meeting
Media Contact: Cindy Cheverie, 902-368-5480, CCCHEVERIE@gov.pe.ca
2 p.m.
Meeting with the Premier of Prince Edward Island
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the start of the meeting
Media Contact: Debbie Atkinson, 902-368-6889, djatkinson@gov.pe.ca
2:30 p.m.
Meeting with Indigenous Leaders
The Governor General will meet with Indigenous leaders from the region. They will be joined by the Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Minister of Indigenous Relations.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the start of the meeting
Media Contact: Debbie Atkinson, 902-368-6889, djatkinson@gov.pe.ca
5 p.m.
Visit to the Serene View Ranch
The Governor General will visit 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 will meet with staff and clients to learn about the treatment methods available at Serene View Ranch.
Learn more about Serene View Ranch
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Tuesday, September 12
10 a.m.
Visit to Abegweit First Nation and Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery
The Governor General will visit 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 will also meet with members of the Abegweit First Nation community.
Learn more about Abegweit First Nation and Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery
31 Kitpu Street, Mount Stewart
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Lexi Drummond, 902-388-5334, ldrummond@mcpei.ca
1:30 p.m.
Visit to the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation
The Governor General will visit the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Prince Edward Island. During her visit, Her Excellency will learn about new technologies and student projects that combine engineering, climate action and Indigenous knowledge.
Learn more about the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation
UPEI, St. Peters Bay
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Nicole Phillips, 902-388-1832, nphillips@upei.ca
5 p.m.
Official reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island
The Governor General will attend and deliver remarks at an official reception hosted by Her Honour the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island.
Government House
OPEN TO MEDIA – During remarks only
Media Contact: Cindy Cheverie, 902-368-5480, CCCHEVERIE@gov.pe.ca
Wednesday, September 13
9:15 a.m.
Visit to Charlottetown Rural High School
The Governor General will visit Charlottetown Rural High School, which serves students in grades 10-12, from both rural and urban areas near Charlottetown. During her visit, Her Excellency will meet with students and participate in a Q&A session. Her Excellency will also meet with new Canadian students who are learning English.
Learn more about Charlottetown Rural High School
100 Raiders Road, Charlottetown
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Matt MacLeod, 902-368-6990,mattimacleod@gov.pe.ca
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Wednesday, September 13
1 p.m.
Official Welcome Ceremony
Upon arrival, the Governor General will be 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 will inspect a guard of honour.
Government House
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Melissa Goertzen, 902-222-7608, Melissa.Goertzen@novascotia.ca
1:30 p.m.
Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
The Governor General will meet with His Honour the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the start of the meeting
Media Contact: Melissa Goertzen, 902-222-7608, Melissa.Goertzen@novascotia.ca
2:00 p.m.
Meeting with the Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the start of the meeting
Media Contact: Carley Sampson, 902-478-9203, Carley.Sampson@novascotia.ca
2:30 p.m.
Meeting with Indigenous Leaders
The Governor General will meet with Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy and Grand Keptin Antle Denny.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the start of the meeting
Media Contact: Melissa Goertzen, 902-222-7608, Melissa.Goertzen@novascotia.ca
5:30 p.m.
Official reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
The Governor General will attend and deliver remarks at an official reception hosted by His Honour the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
Government House
OPEN TO MEDIA – During remarks only
Media Contact: Melissa Goertzen, 902-222-7608, Melissa.Goertzen@novascotia.ca
Thursday, September 14
9:15 a.m.
Visit to Royal Naval Dockyard
As commander-in-chief, the Governor General will meet with members of the Royal Canadian Navy. This will be the Governor General’s first visit with the navy as commander-in-chief. During her visit, Her Excellency will meet 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.
5085 Coxswains Lane, Halifax
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ONLY
11 a.m.
Visit to Laing House
The Governor General will meet 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.
Learn more about Laing House
1225 Barrington Street, Halifax
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the beginning of the meeting
Media Contact: Colin Bullard, 902-536-7025, cbullard@lainghouse.org
2 p.m.
Visit to Fire Station 65
The Governor General will travel 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.
17 Scholars Road, Upper Tantallon
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - outside the station
Media Contact: Carley Sampson, 902-478-9203, Carley.Sampson@novascotia.ca
Pictou, Nova Scotia
Friday, September 15
11 a.m.
250th anniversary of the arrival of the Ship Hector in Pictou
The Governor General will deliver remarks at the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Ship Hector in Pictou.
The Hector Heritage Quay, 33 Caladh Avenue, Pictou
Learn more about the Hector Heritage Quay
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Jackie Jardine, 902-759-0307, jackiemackean@gmail.com
4:30 p.m.
Visit to the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
The Governor General will attend and deliver remarks at a reception held by the Black Cultural Centre in light of its 40th anniversary. Her Excellency will also meet with community elders, youth and descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
10 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook
Learn more about the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Russell Grosse, 902-456-1477, rgrosse@bccns.com
Quick facts
- This will be Governor General Simon’s first official visits to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
- This visit is part of a larger objective of visiting each province and territory to engage with Canadians 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.
Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca
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