Governor General to support Canadian participants at the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games

March 11, 2026

OTTAWA, Ontario-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will travel to Whitehorse, Yukon, from March 13 to 15, 2026, to attend the Arctic Winter Games.

Her Excellency's attendance at the Arctic Winter Games will support, recognize and honour Canadian participants, coaches and volunteers; promote the importance of physical and mental health and wellness; promote dialogue and diplomacy among Arctic nations; and encourage reconciliation among peoples.

Itinerary

Times are indicated in local time (MST).

Friday, March 13

12:00 p.m.
Sporting events
The Governor General will attend various sporting events throughout the afternoon.
Multiple locations, Whitehorse, Yukon
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

7:00 p.m.
Arctic Winter Games Cultural Gala
The Governor General will join participants, coaches and volunteers at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games Cultural Gala to celebrate circumpolar sport, culture and unity.
Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, Yukon
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Saturday, March 14

9:00 a.m.
Meeting with northern commissioners
The Governor General will meet with the following northern commissioners to engage on key issues related to the Arctic: the Honourable Adeline Webber (Yukon), the Honourable Gerald W. Kisoun (Northwest Territories) and the Honourable Eva Qamaniq Aariak (Nunavut).
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

10:30 a.m.
Sporting events
The Governor General will attend various sporting events scheduled for the day.
Multiple locations, Whitehorse, Yukon
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

3:00 p.m.
Closing Celebration of the Arctic Winter Games
The Governor General will attend the closing celebration of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games and deliver remarks. Her Excellency will then meet with residents, participants, coaches, volunteers, dignitaries and visitors.
Main Street, Whitehorse, Yukon
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Sunday, March 15

9:30 a.m.
Meeting with Yukon Premier
Before departing the territory, the Governor General will meet with the Honourable Currie Dixon, Premier of Yukon.
Office of the Premier, Whitehorse, Yukon
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Notes for media

• Media members wishing to cover the Arctic Winter Games must be accredited.
• 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.

Related links:

• Arctic Winter Games
• The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games

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

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