'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.