Media Advisory - Governor General to cheer on Canadian competitors at the Invictus Games in British Columbia
OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Mr. Whit Fraser will undertake a visit to British Columbia, from February 5 to 9, 2025. As commander-in-chief of Canada and on behalf of all Canadians, the Governor General will cheer on competitors participating in the 2025 Invictus Games, celebrating the resilience and strength of injured members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.
While in British Columbia, the Governor General will also conduct the third stop in Canada of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, highlighting best practices in communities across Western Canada for mental health and wellness. The Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour was officially launched in July 2024 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2025 we mark a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its landmark Calls to Action. This important milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge ongoing challenges and recommit to continuing to work toward reconciliation in Canada. In honour of the 10th anniversary of the Calls to Action, the Governor General and other distinguished panellists will participate in an important conversation exploring the past, present, and future of reconciliation.
Itinerary
Note: Times are indicated in Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Victoria, British Columbia
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
12:45 p.m.
Meeting with Her Honour the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, 31st Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
The Governor General will meet with Her Honour the Honourable Wendy Cocchia following her recent installation as Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
Government House
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
3:00 p.m.
Hope and Determination: Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation
The Governor General will deliver the keynote address at an event hosted by the University of Victoria to honour 10 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. The Governor General's address will highlight progress on Reconciliation and invite all Canadians to renew their commitment and to continue moving forward. Following the keynote address, there will be a panel discussion that will explore the past, present and future of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Following the event, the Governor General will also meet with select students to hear their reflections and insights on reconciliation.
Tune in virtually to listen to the event: Hope and Determination: Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation
University of Victoria, Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ | Sngequ House
OPEN TO MEDIA (with photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting between the Governor General and the students)
Media contact: Jennifer Kwan, [email protected], 236-638-2113
Vancouver, British Columbia
Thursday, February 6, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Visit to the Open Door Group as part of the Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour
As part of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, the Governor General will visit the Open Door Group where she will meet with individuals participating in various therapeutic recreation programs. During her visit, the Governor General will have the opportunity to hear firsthand how these programs are making a real difference in the lives of individuals who are on recovery journeys or who are facing mental health challenges.
Learn more about the Open Door Group
Open Door Group, 300-1338 West Broadway
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Jennifer Do, [email protected], 778-798-1891
2:15 p.m.
Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour round-table discussion
As part of the tour, the Governor General will host a round-table discussion at Dudes Club. The discussion will bring together people with lived experience, mental health experts and change makers who will share their experiences to build awareness around innovative practices in the field.
Learn more about Dudes Club
Dudes Club
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
7:00 p.m.
Welcome Dinner for members of Canada's Indigenous Veterans Delegation
The Governor General will meet with the Canadian Indigenous Veterans delegation at a welcome dinner. The Canadian Veteran Delegation for Invictus Games 2025 will bring together Indigenous Veterans from across Canada to engage in cultural exchanges and dialogue with each other, the Four Host First Nations, youth and Indigenous Veterans from other participating nations.
Teahouse in Stanley Park
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Friday, February 7, 2025
During the morning - Walkabout in Vancouver, B.C.
The Governor General will connect with local residents and business owners to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural tapestry that makes the region so vibrant.
3:30 p.m.
Presentation of Honours Ceremony
The Governor General will take part in a Canadian honours ceremony to thank individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada and who have inspired others to help build a better country. During the ceremony the Governor General will invest two Officers and one Member into the Order of Canada, and present one individual with the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division). During this ceremony, the Governor General will also present a King Charles III Coronation medal.
List of honourees attending the presentation
Learn more about the Canadian Honours System
Library Square Tower, 300 West Georgia Street
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Rideau Hall Press Office, [email protected], 343-573-7563
Saturday, February 8, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Team Canada Breakfast at the Invictus Games
The Governor General will meet with members of Invictus Team Canada and their family and friends to honour and celebrate them as they prepare to compete in the 2025 Invictus Games.
Vancouver Convention Centre
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
11:00 a.m.
Reception Hosted by the Premier of British Columbia
The Governor General will attend welcome reception, hosted by The Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
B.C. Sports Hall of Fame
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
1:00 p.m.
Welcoming Ceremony – Official Opening of the Invictus Games
The Governor General will attend and deliver remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games.
Learn more about the 2025 Invictus Games
Learn more about Team Canada's 56 athletes set to compete at the Invictus Games
B.C. Place, 777 Pacific Blvd
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Media contact: Lauren Pavan, [email protected]
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Sporting Events
The Governor General will attend sporting events at various venues throughout the day.
Find more information about the sporting schedule.
Multiple locations, Vancouver
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Media contact: Lauren Pavan, [email protected]
Notes for media:
- Members of the media must confirm their attendance to the media contacts above.
- Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via [email protected].
- Media members can follow the Governor General's visit and activities at www.gg.ca.
Related links:
Stay connected:
Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office: 343-573-7563, [email protected]
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