'Living side by side': Governor General Mary Simon makes first official visit to Saskatchewan
Canada’s Governor General made her first official visit to Saskatchewan Monday.
Despite a rainy day, an RCMP honour guard, government officials including Premier Scott Moe, as well as a group of school children met her Excellency at the legislative grounds.
Appointed to the role in 2021, the Governor General has been to Saskatchewan before. Visiting James Smith Cree Nation following the mass stabbing in September 2022.
This was her first officially scheduled visit and focused on issues like climate change, mental health, education and reconciliation.
“There are continuing challenges wherever we go,” she told CTV News. “It’s really about getting to know one another, giving space to our cultures and our languages and being able to live side by side.”
At the Legislative Building, the Governor General had a meeting with Premier Scott Moe.
“Talking about important issues we are all facing as a country and to be able to hear back from all Canadians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous,” Simon said.
Moe said the two talked about Saskatchewan’s work with their recovery-based addictions plan, among other issues.
“We had a good discussion on how we need to work together on topics in an environment today that is very different than three to five years ago,” he said. “And it will probably be even more changing in the coming years.”
Her Excellency then made stops at Government House and the First Nations University of Canada
While at Government House, she was greeted by Caitlin Kaytor with a bouquet of flowers.
“She looked so beautiful,” Kaytor said.
The visit was also unique as Simon – Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General – met with Saskatchewan’s first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor, Russ Mirasty.
“The mere fact we’re both the first in our positions adds to the uniqueness,” Mirasty said. “It’s special to meet on a personal level.”
“We’re getting more of a balance,” Simon said. “When you look at the history of Canada, Indigenous people are not always there. So we are building a more inclusive society.”
Saskatchewan Monarchist League member Monique Goffinet Miller believes the Governor General’s visit is important to the province.
“It is a massive statement,” she said. “With the meetings that will be happening with Indigenous and community leaders, I am excited to learn more and be educated from those conversations that happen with her Excellency.”
The Governor General’s visit continues Tuesday in Saskatoon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.