David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada, is in Minnesota today on his first visit to the Midwest, and discussed education with Gov. Mark Dayton and other state officials at a breakfast meeting.
As governor general, Johnston is the representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Canada, which is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. He carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties in Canada on behalf of the queen, and is referred to as “His Excellency.”
Dayton’s report on the breakfast at his governor’s residence on Summit Avenue in St. Paul:
“As Minnesota’s largest export market and closest neighbor to the north, Canada is a vital trade and business partner for our state. Our conversation this morning focused on what Minnesota and Canada can do together to further improve the education of our citizens.”
And His Excellency Johnston said in a statement:
“Minnesota and Canada have so much in common, from our shared border, waters, history and culture – to our shared passion for hockey! I thank Governor Dayton and Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith for welcoming me to the State of Minnesota.”
Johnston, who was recently reappointed to the position through 2017, also has a Canada-U.S. Forum today in Minneapolis, then gives the keynote address at the Great Lakes Economic Forum Tuesday in Chicago. He’ll also appear in Detroit on this trip.
