State Visit to Sweden - Day 1

Their Excellencies and Their Majesties were taken to the Royal Palace in a horse-drawn carriage.

Following the meeting, the Governor General and the Prime Minister delivered statements and took questions from members of the media.

After a day of meetings, His Excellency took time to enjoy some skating, a sport well loved by both Canadians and Swedes. Former Swedish NHL player Daniel Alfredsson also laced up his skates.

While he was attending Harvard University, His Excellency was twice selected to the All-American hockey team before being named to Harvard’s athletic hall of fame.

Canadian delegate and Leader of the New Democratic party of Canada Thomas Mulcair joined in the fun on skates.

Kungsträdgården outdoor is an ice rink located in the heart of Stockholm.

Later that evening, Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates attended a State banquet hosted by Their Majesties at the Royal Palace.

The State Banquet hosted by Their Majesties was the perfect occasion to celebrate what Canada and Sweden have in common.

The Governor General and the King delivered remarks on this occasion.

In the meantime, Mrs. Johnston visited Fryshuset, a youth centre supported by the City of Stockholm where she met with leaders and youth taking part in an activity to learn about their projects.

Fryshuset provides education programs and acts as a meeting place for young people to share and develop social commitments, interests, culture and sports.

"In a rapidly changing world, the Canada-Sweden relationship matters more than ever. Areas of particular potential include research and innovation, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability and clean technology development," said the Governor General.

Members of the Canadian delegation and representatives of the Swedish government joined them for an expanded meeting.

Later, His Excellency met with Mr. Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden, to discuss the relationship between Canada and Sweden.

Their Excellencies started their first day in Sweden by meeting with Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.

Canadians were at the Royal Palace of Stockholm waiving their Canadian flags to welcome Their Excellencies and members of the delegation.

Afterwards, His Excellency inspected a guard of honour from the Royal Life Guards.

Upon arrival at the Royal Palace, His Excellency received military honour.

In honour of their State visit to Sweden, Their Excellencies took part in an audience with Their Majesties, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill.

Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden. It is where the government and the Swedish parliament sit and where is the official residence of King Carl XVI Gustav.

In the afternoon, His Excellency and Canadian delegates met with Mr. Urban Ahlin, Speaker of the Riksdag, and representatives of the Swedish parliament.

The focus of the meeting with the Speaker of the Swedish parliament was on the bilateral relationships between Canada and Sweden.

The tasks of the Riksdag include making laws and determining the central government budget. It also examines the work of the government.

The Riksdag is the highest decision-making assembly in Sweden.

Canadian delegates, including former NHL player Daniel Alfredsson accompanied Mrs. Johnston. The centre believes in integration by inclusion and aims for youth to become entrepreneurs by realizing their dreams.