Media Advisory – Governor General to undertake official visit to Saskatchewan

OTTAWA, ON, April 18, 2024 /CNW/ – Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will undertake an official visit to Saskatchewan from April 22 to 24, 2024.

The visit to Saskatchewan will focus on reconciliation, mental health, education and climate change. During the official visit, Her Excellency will meet with provincial and Indigenous leaders, youth, educators, newcomers, artists and civic trailblazers.

The Governor General plays an important role in raising awareness of significant issues throughout our country, and in recognizing incredible Canadians working to better the lives of their neighbours and communities. Official visits provide opportunities for Her Excellency, on behalf of Canadians, to meet with and recognize people who are making a difference in a range of fields.

Itinerary:
Note: Times are indicated in Central Standard Time (CST).

Regina, Saskatchewan

Monday, April 22

11:30 a.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony

Upon arrival, the Governor General will be greeted by several provincial dignitaries, including Their Honours the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and Donna Mirasty, as well as the Honourable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan. The Governor General will also inspect an RCMP guard of honour.
Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan 
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contacts: Julie Leggott, Deputy Chief of Staff – Communications & Press Secretary to the Premier, 306-787-9619, [email protected]; Shalyn McKenna, Communications Consultant with the Government of Saskatchewan, 306-787-5174, [email protected]

11:50 a.m.
Meeting with the Premier of Saskatchewan
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan.
Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – In front of the fireplace
Media Contact: Julie Leggott, Deputy Chief of Staff – Communications & Press Secretary to the Premier, 306-787-9619, [email protected]

12:30 p.m.
Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
The Governor General will meet with His Honour the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and Her Honour Donna Mirasty.
Government House
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – At the entrance of Government House and at the signing of the guest book in the museum
Media Contact: Donna Boyle, 306-787-6460 (office), 306-531-6238 (cell), [email protected]

2 p.m.
Visit to First Nations University
Her Excellency will visit First Nations University where she will join students in recording an episode for pîkiskwêwin, an Indigenous-language podcast project. The conversation will focus primarily on the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages.

First Nations University is a unique Canadian institution that specializes in Indigenous knowledges, providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike within a culturally supportive environment.
Learn more about First Nations University
Learn more about pîkiskwêwin
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

5:30 p.m.
Official reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
The Governor General will deliver remarks at the event hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. 
Government House
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Tuesday, April 23

9:40 a.m. 
Visit to the Regina Open Door Society (RODS)
The Governor General will first meet with the lead artists who painted the Regina Open Door Society Mural located on the building’s exterior wall. She will then visit the society and join newcomers to Canada participating in a language class.
RODS is a Regina-based non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants.
Learn more about RODS
2314 11th Avenue
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Victoria Flores, 306-533-5161, [email protected] 

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2:30 p.m.
Discussion on Mental Health Services for Farmers and Ranchers
The Governor General will engage in a round-table discussion with mental health specialists from the SaskAgMatters network on issues affecting Canada’s farming and ranching communities.

SaskAgMatters bridges the gap between agriculture producers and mental wellness supports to foster a healthy and productive Saskatchewan agriculture community.
Learn more about SaskAgMatters
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Wednesday, April 24

10 a.m.
Visit to the Maternal Care Centre
The Governor General will visit the Maternal Care Centre at the Jim Pattison Hospital. She will meet with the centre’s staff, including Indigenous birth support workers, to learn about services available to mothers, children and families from across the province. The centre addresses the unique needs of patients who are pregnant and who are giving birth by providing them and their families with individualized support.
Learn more about the Maternal Care Centre
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

11:20 a.m.
Meeting with Indigenous Leaders
The Governor General will meet with Bobby Cameron, Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and Glen McCallum, President of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

12:00 p.m.
Visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park
The Governor General will explore Wanuskewin with youth to better understand how this national historic site acts as a living reminder of Indigenous peoples’ sacred relationship with the land. Her Excellency will also take part in a question-and-answer session with the youth.

Wanuskewin offers guided and self-guided tours, outdoor treks, interactive exhibits, art galleries, videos and presentation spaces that celebrate Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to delve into tradition and culture, and experience what life was like pre- and post-contact.
Learn more about Wanuskewin Park
4 Penner Road
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Andrew McDonald, 306-931-6767, [email protected]  

This will be Governor General Simon’s first official visit to Saskatchewan.Governor General Simon travelled to Saskatchewan in September 2022 to visit the James Smith Cree Nation following the mass stabbing incident in their community. The Governor General also delivered remarks on Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day in Regina on September 29, 2022.This visit is part of a larger objective of visiting each province and territory to engage with Canadians from across the country.

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 [email protected].

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada