
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon departs for first international trip, including honour at world's largest trade book fair
CTV
Gov. Gen. Mary May Simon set out on her first international trip in that position on Sunday, heading to Germany to meet with officials, as well as attend the world’s largest trade book fair.
May Simon, who became the 30th Governor General of Canada in July, will be visiting Berlin and Frankfurt until Thursday, and will represent Canada at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair, where Canada is this year’s Guest of Honour.
“Canada and Germany are connected by both our diversity and our shared values. The Governor General’s State visit to Germany will reinforce Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, climate and the environment, women and youth empowerment, and reconciliation,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a press release.
“Her Excellency’s participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair will be an opportunity to highlight and celebrate Canadian cultural and literary works internationally.”
During the trip May Simon will also meet with the President of of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and will attend a roundtable discussion at the Frankfurt Archeological Museum about Arctic exploration.