OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will travel to Victoria, British Columbia from November 16 to 18, 2026, to take part in the commissioning ceremony of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray and to honour outstanding Canadians during the 2026 Governor General's History Awards.
In her capacity as honorary chief commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, she will also meet with Coast Guard personnel.
Itinerary
Note: All local times.
Monday, November 16, 2026
2 p.m.
Commissioning Ceremony of HMCS Robert Hampton Gray
As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General will deliver remarks at the commissioning ceremony of HMCS Robert Hampton Gray – an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
Ogden Point Ship Terminal Pier B, Victoria
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Interested media must confirm their attendance with Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs at [email protected] by 10 a.m. November 16, 2026. Please arrive at 1:45 p.m. and bring valid government-issued ID. There will be onsite parking for those attending the ceremony.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Morning – Visit to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt
As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General will engage with members of CFB Esquimalt, learn about their training and visit the base's facilities.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY FOR VISIT TO BASE
3:45 p.m.
Visit on board a Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS)
In her capacity as honorary chief commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, the Governor General will spend time with personnel on the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier where she will receive an overview of Canadian Coast Guard operations in Western Canada and meet with the Indigenous Community Response Team to learn how their innovative partnerships with coastal Indigenous communities are strengthening emergency preparedness and environmental response.
Canadian Coast Guard Western Regional Headquarters, 25 Huron Street, Victoria
OPEN TO MEDIA (short photo opportunity at the end)
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
12:15 p.m.
Glenlyon Norfolk Junior School
The Governor General will interact with students whose learning has been shaped by a Governor General's History Awards recipient.
1701 Beach Drive, Victoria
OPEN TO MEDIA (at the beginning)
Media contact: Cheryl Alexander, Director, Marketing and Communications: [email protected]
5 p.m.
Governor General's History Awards Ceremony
The Governor General will present the 2026 Governor General's History Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work advances the understanding, preservation and public engagement of Canada's past.
Ballroom, Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact to confirm presence: Rachel Rilkoff, Communications and Events Officer, Office of the Lieutenant Governor: [email protected]
Media contact on History Awards: Claude-Sylvie Lemery, Communications Manager, Canada's History [email protected]
Notes for media:
- Members of the media must confirm their attendance 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 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office: [email protected]
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