OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 31, 2026 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will travel to the Kingdom of Norway from February 2 to 4, 2026, to take part in the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Tromsø, and meet with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja, as well as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, in Oslo.

Her Excellency's visit to Norway will highlight Canada's commitment to Arctic collaboration, with a strong emphasis on people‑to‑people ties. She will also highlight the vital role of Indigenous and northern communities in shaping the future of the Arctic and foster Indigenous‑to‑Indigenous connections that support resilient Arctic societies. 

The Governor General plays a key role in representing Canada and performing the duties of the head of State on behalf of the Sovereign at domestic and international events. By undertaking visits abroad, the Governor General builds on existing international relationships and strengthens ties across a broad range of sectors of Canadian life.

ITINERARY
Note: times in Norway are indicated in the Central European Time Zone.

Monday, February 2 – Tromsø

8 p.m.
Dinner given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway
The Governor General will take part in a dinner hosted by His Excellency Espen Barth Eide, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The event will bring together foreign leaders taking part in the Arctic Frontiers Conference.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR POOL MEDIA

Tuesday, February 3 – Tromsø

9 a.m.
Rising Voices: Indigenous Women Leading Arctic Transformation
The Governor General will deliver the opening remarks at a fireside chat and youth-led dialogue featuring Indigenous women who are bringing a transformative leadership to Arctic policy and diplomacy.
Arctic Frontiers Conference, Clarion Hotel the Edge, Tromsø
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Media accreditation

11 a.m.
Arctic Frontiers Big Picture Session: Arctic State of Affairs
The Governor General will deliver a keynote address and listen to a panel session focused on the current state of Arctic affairs and the prospects for future collaboration.
Arctic Frontiers Conference, Clarion Hotel the Edge, Tromsø
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Media accreditation

5:30 p.m.
Engagement with Indigenous peoples from Norway and Canada
The Governor General will meet with Indigenous peoples to discuss the importance of including Indigenous voices and knowledge in a sustainable approach to the Arctic, and strengthening Arctic ties between Canada and Norway.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Wednesday, February 4 – Oslo

11 a.m.
Audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen of Norway and the Crown Prince of Norway
The Governor General will meet with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja, as well as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon to discuss shared priorities between Canada and Norway.
Royal Palace
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR POOL MEDIA.

Quick Facts

• This will be Her Excellency's first visit to Norway as governor general.
• The last governor general to visit Norway was Michaëlle Jean in 2009.
• Many Canadians will take part in the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Norway, including Virginia Mearns, Arctic Ambassador.
• The Governor General undertakes official international travel at the request of the Prime Minister and in support of the Government of Canada's diplomatic, foreign policy and trade objectives.

Notes for media

• Media interested in covering and attending the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Norway must obtain accreditation for the conference.
• Canadian media interested in the photo opportunity before the audience at the Royal Palace are asked to contact julie.rocheleau@gg.ca.
• Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via media@gg.ca.
• The itinerary for the Governor General's visit to Denmark and Greenland will be published separately before the start of the visit.

Related links:

• Canada-Norway relations

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada