Winnipeg, Manitoba
21 May 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mrs. Laureen Harper today joined Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, together with local school children, for Aerospace and Aviation Day in Manitoba. He also bid farewell to the Royal Couple on the last day of their highly successful Royal Tour and announced donations to two Canadian organizations in honour of their visit.
The Prime Minister and Their Royal Highnesses joined young Canadians at the Stevenson Hangar for Aerospace and Aviation Day in Manitoba as they learned about the principles of flight, rockets and satellites. They also met students who developed the first elementary school project from Canada to be taken on board the International Space Station.
Following this event, the Prime Minister bid farewell to the Royal Couple who were departing from Canadian Forces Base (17 WING) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In honour of the Royal Tour, Prime Minister Harper announced donations to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Let’s Talk Science.
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is one of Canada’s largest non-profit educational organizations. It is dedicated to imparting a broader knowledge and deeper appreciation of Canada – its people and places, its natural and cultural heritage, and its environmental, social and economic challenges.
Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable organization that creates and delivers unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and math.
- During the tour, Their Royal Highnesses marked milestones in the nation’s history in the lead up to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. Of special note were events that marked the centenary of the beginning of the First World War and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference in Prince Edward Island that paved the way to Confederation. The theme of the visit was “Canadian Achievement: Commemorating Our Past, Celebrating Our Future.”
- Some of the highlights of the Royal Tour included the official welcome in Halifax; The Prince of Wales being appointed to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada; participation in celebrations marking Victoria Day and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference; His Royal Highness feeding Hudson the polar bear; and the Stevenson Hangar event with school children.
- Through direct interaction with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall on a wide variety of subjects of concern and interest to Canadians, the Royal Tour provided an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about the Canadian Crown and our constitutional monarchy.
- The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall met with a wide range of Canadians from many different backgrounds who are making a difference in their communities. These included war brides, veterans, serving military personnel, community leaders, conservationists, environmentalists, urban planners, entrepreneurs, volunteers, teachers, youth and more.
Their Royal Highnesses visited three provinces and six communities in four days. These were:
- Halifax and Pictou County in Nova Scotia (May 18 and 19);
- Charlottetown, Bonshaw, and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island (May 19 and 20); and,
- Winnipeg in Manitoba (May 20 and 21).
