The former Governor General of Canada's Circumpolar State Visit:
Recognizing Arctic and Northern Realities

Canada is one of the eight nations which surround the north polar sea, and contain vast Arctic territories. Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The Governor General is the de facto Head of State, representing the Crown in Canada. The office is the highest and oldest office in Canada.

The Patronage of the former Governor General

Adrienne Clarkson accepted the invitation of the Arctic Circumpolar Route to become its Patron in 2004. The former Governor General has shown dedication and leadership in recognizing the traditions, cultures, and initiatives of the circumpolar North. Through her office and endeavours, she communicated to a wide audience that the circumpolar North is a significant, living and strategic place. The Arctic Circumpolar Route recognizes this contribution to enhancing the participation of Arctic communities in the ongoing exchange of information and knowledge within the global community.

The Arctic Circumpolar Route celebrates the patronage of the former Governor General and will continue to facilitate information, development and exchange in all media to benefit Arctic peoples and to collect and conserve their stories to reinforce connections among peoples of the Arctic and with the global community.

The Circumpolar Achievements of the former Governor General

At the request of Canada’s former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, the Governor General led a delegation of accomplished Canadians on State visits to Russia, Finland and Iceland, following invitations from the Presidents of each country. The State visits, which took place from September 23 to October 15, 2003, reflected our common northern dimension and strongly supported Canada's foreign policy by deepening and strengthening interrelationships with countries that share a northern bond.

The theme for these visits, "The Modern North”, focused on working in the northern environment, living in the circumpolar world, and reflecting each society’s modern, creative culture. Each visit began in the capital, and continued to communities in northern regions. Governor General Clarkson stated, "We want to show each other what the North is today––its nature, its people and culture, its economics and ecology––and what it can become.” (September 2003)

Outcomes of the State visits

The Quest for the Modern North series of seminars began during the former Governor General’s circumpolar State visits. Its purpose is to open exchanges with Indigenous peoples and other northerners around the circumpolar North, to share experiences in promoting viable development. One outcome is The Quest for the Modern North Online Forum, a joint initiative between Foreign Affairs Canada and the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/finland/menu ).

For more information, visit www.gg.ca/state-visits.cp-main e.asp, and www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/circumpolar/.