Media advisory - Governor General to undertake first official visit to Manitoba

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, will undertake her first official visit to Manitoba from October 7 to 9, 2026.

Throughout the visit, she will meet with provincial officials, including the Honourable Anita R. Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba; the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba; and with Indigenous leaders. As commander-in-chief of Canada, she will engage with cadets and members of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The program will also provide opportunities for Her Excellency to pursue activities focusing on civic engagement, youth and reconciliation.

Official visits provide opportunities for the Governor General, on behalf of Canadians, to meet with and recognize people who are making a difference in a range of fields.

Itinerary
Note: All local times.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
11:30 a.m.
Courtesy call with the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
Government House
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ONLY
Learn more about the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba

12:15 p.m.
Official welcoming ceremony with military honours
The Governor General will arrive at the Legislative Building where she will be greeted by dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governor and the Premier of Manitoba. She will then receive the "Vice-Regal Salute" and perform an inspection of the guard.
Legislative Building
OPEN TO MEDIA

12:45 p.m.
Courtesy call with the Premier of Manitoba
Legislative Building
OPEN TO POOL MEDIA - PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING
Media contact: for information on pooled coverage, please contact Tobi Brown at [email protected]
Learn more about the Premier of Manitoba

1:15 p.m.
Meetings with Indigenous leaders
Legislative Building
OPEN TO POOL MEDIA - PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING
Media contact: for information on pooled coverage, please contact Tobi Brown at [email protected]

Afternoon
Courtesy Call with the Chief Justice of Manitoba
Court of Appeal Judges Chambers
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Thursday, October 8, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Visit to Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum
The Governor General will tour the museum and participate in an interactive activity related to the Louis Riel collection, providing her with an opportunity to engage with Manitoba's history and Métis heritage.
494 Taché Ave, Winnipeg
OPEN TO MEDIA (at the beginning)
Media Contact: Breanna Trudeau, Communications at Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum: [email protected]
Learn more about Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum

11 a.m.
Visit to Bear Clan Patrol
The Governor General will visit Bear Clan Patrol, an Indigenous-led, community-based initiative that promotes community safety, outreach and social inclusion through culturally grounded approaches. During her visit, she will meet with volunteers to recognize and thank them for their dedication and service to the community.
447 Webb Place
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Kevin Walker, Executive Director at Bear Clan Patrol Inc: [email protected]
Learn more about Bear Clan Patrol

2 p.m.
Visit to Elmwood Community Resource Centre (ECRC)
The Governor General will visit ECRC and learn about its programs and services through a series of interactive activities with participants.
545 Watt Street
OPEN TO MEDIA (at the beginning)
Media Contact: Nina Conda, Executive Director at the ECRC: [email protected]
Learn more about the Elmwood Community Resource Centre

5:15 p.m.
Honours Ceremony
The Governor General will preside over a Canadian honours ceremony in recognition of exceptional achievement and service. Three Manitobans will be honoured during the ceremony.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
List of Manitobans being recognized at the ceremony

Friday, October 9, 2026

Gimli, Manitoba

11 a.m.
Visit to Gimli Waterfront Centre
The Governor General will visit Gimli to hear about Manitoba's rich Icelandic Canadian heritage and the community's efforts to preserve its cultural traditions.
94 1^st Avenue
OPEN TO MEDIA (at the beginning)
Media Contact: Jenna Boholij, Director of Marketing and Communications, Icelandic Festival of Manitoba: [email protected]
Learn more about the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba

1:15 p.m.
Visit to the 182 GM Stefnufastur Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General will engage with cadets, observe glider operations and training activities, and learn about the range of programs available to youth.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Learn more about the 182 GM Stefnufastur Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Learn more about Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers

Quick Facts

• This visit is part of a larger objective to engage with Canadians from across the country by visiting each province and territory.
• During the visit, the Governor General will also take the opportunity to recognize Canadians who inspire excellence through the presentation of honours and awards. 
• The Governor General plays an important role in helping to bring awareness to issues and to profile the diverse communities that make up our country.

Notes for media:

• Members of the media must confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office and the media contacts listed 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.

Stay connected:

Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

SOURCE Office of the Secretary to the Governor General

Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office: 343-573-7563, [email protected]