Gov. Gen. Julie Payette made her first official trip to B.C. on Tuesday, visiting Government House and meeting with Premier John Horgan.
Payette signed the guest book at Government House, leaving a sticker of her new coat of arms, which features a white wing to symbolize exploration, liberty and safety. Payette, a former astronaut, was the second Canadian woman to go into space and the first Canadian on board the International Space Station.
At the legislature, Payette was presented with flowers by Elayna Loehr, 7, on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon.
Payette watched as Lekwungen dancers from the Songhees First Nation performed a ritual dance, which was followed by a 21-gun salute fired by the 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment. Payette inspected a 100-member guard of honour from Maritime Forces Pacific and CFB Esquimalt, and then met with veterans.
On Wednesday, Payette will present the Order of Canada, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Meritorious Service Decorations, Decorations for Bravery, the Polar Medal and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Former UVic Vikes basketball coach Kathy Shields is being invested into the Order of Canada. Shields is credited with fostering the development of women’s basketball in Canada.
