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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Governor General Continues Manitoba Tour with St. Boniface Museum Visit
Governor General Louise Arbour's first official visit to Manitoba is underway, with a busy itinerary focusing on the province’s rich Francophone and Métis heritage. Arbour toured Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Museum on Thursday, marking a key moment in her ongoing three-day journey through the province.
Celebrating Francophone and Métis Heritage
The St. Boniface Museum is an important landmark for both Francophone and Métis heritage in Manitoba. Arbour’s visit to the museum, located on Tache Avenue, highlighted its significance in Canadian history. The building itself was formerly a Grey Nuns convent and mission house and currently serves as a powerful testament to the contributions of religious communities and historical figures like Louis Riel.
Speaking with Radio-Canada in French, Arbour called the museum significant for Manitoba and Canada, referencing the legacy of Louis Riel and the foundational role of the Grey Nuns in building the country’s social infrastructure. She expressed a desire to convey the importance of such heritage institutions across Canada.
Meetings with Manitoba’s Leaders and Communities
Arbour’s official visit began Wednesday, with her arrival marked by military honours at Manitoba’s Legislative Building. On her first day, she met with Indigenous leaders, Chief Justice of Manitoba, the lieutenant-governor, and Premier Wab Kinew. These discussions underscored the importance of continuing dialogue with Manitoba’s diverse communities during her manitoba tour.
Honours Ceremony Recognizes Manitoba Community Contributors
On Thursday, the Governor General presided over a ceremony to honour outstanding Manitobans. Kenneth Leslie Mould, founder of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank and former president of veterinary associations, received the Order of Canada. John Burchill, longtime president of the Winnipeg Police Museum, and Samantha Rayburn-Trubyk, president of Little People of Manitoba and advocate for people with dwarfism, were presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. The ceremony highlighted the ongoing contributions and dedication within the manitoba community.
Visits to Community Initiatives
In addition to the ceremony, Arbour visited local organizations such as the Bear Clan Patrol and the Elmwood Community Resource Centre, continuing her focus on learning about initiatives that support Manitoba communities. The tours and meetings aimed to foster connections and bring attention to the work being done at the community level.
Upcoming Stops: Gimli Visit to Conclude Official Trip
Arbour's three-day manitoba tour will conclude Friday with a visit to Gimli. The itinerary includes meeting members of the 182 GM Stefnufastur Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, based at the rural municipality’s airport. This gimli visit will wrap up her first official trip to the province since becoming the King’s official representative in Canada earlier this summer.
With continued attention to francophone heritage, metis heritage, and community contributions throughout her governor general visit, Arbour’s trip underscores the significance of Manitoba’s history and its place within Canada's broader national narrative.
Source: cbc.ca.
