Governor General Mary Simon takes part in an interview at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday, September 26, 2025. The Canadian Press
Governor General Mary Simon is recovering in hospital after falling ill with a respiratory virus, forcing her to miss this year’s national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa.
In a brief statement, Rideau Hall confirmed that Simon is “doing well” and continuing to rest under medical care. The statement did not identify the type of virus or say when she was admitted but asked Canadians to respect her privacy while she recovers.
“Her Excellency is recovering from a respiratory virus and is doing well,” the statement read.
Chief Justice to Stand In
With Simon unable to attend the ceremony, Chief Justice Richard Wagner will take her place at the National War Memorial on Tuesday.
As the next highest-ranking official in Canada’s order of precedence, Wagner will oversee the ceremony in Simon’s absence. He will also stand alongside this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Nancy Payne, who will lay a wreath in honour of all Canadian mothers who have lost children through military service.
The Silver Cross Mother represents families of fallen soldiers and serves as a symbol of the sacrifices made by Canadian service members and their loved ones.
Ceremony to Honour Canada’s Fallen
The annual Remembrance Day ceremony brings together veterans, active service members, and political leaders to honour Canadians who have served and died in war and peacekeeping missions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, and Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight will attend, along with other senior officials and dignitaries. Thousands of Canadians are also expected to gather at the cenotaph in downtown Ottawa to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
The solemn event will include traditional military salutes, a flypast, and the laying of wreaths representing the government, armed forces, veterans, and various community groups.
Public Support for Simon
News of the Governor General’s illness prompted a wave of well wishes from Canadians and public figures. Messages of support have been shared online, wishing her a quick and full recovery.
Simon, who became Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General in 2021, has represented the country at national and international events and worked to strengthen reconciliation efforts across Canada.
Her absence marks the first time in her tenure that she has missed a national Remembrance Day ceremony.
Rideau Hall officials said they expect her to return to her duties once she has fully recovered. No timeline for her return has been confirmed.
