It’s not the first time she’s been to Winnipeg, but it’s the first time officially, as Governor General.

The Right Honourable Julie Payette is in Manitoba’s capital today and tomorrow. This morning, she met with Premier Brian Pallister at the Legislature, then went to the Université de Saint-Boniface.

Payette says she and the Premier discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Manitoba, calling us a growing province. Payette, a former astronaut, also told the Premier what Manitoba looks like from space.

“You’re peppered with lakes,” says Payette, who gave Pallister a photo of Manitoba taken from the International Space Station. “You see Lake Winnipeg, you see Winnipeg but you can see all the way north... it’s fabulous, and then, all of this is capped by aurora borealis, the Northern Lights, which you guys are so lucky to be able to see so often.”

Over the two-day visit, Payette is also visiting the University of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and Canadian Forces Base 17 Wing. She’ll also be walking with the Bear Clan Patrol this evening.

“The idea is to shed light on this extraordinary initiative,” Payette said of the Bear Clan walk.

Payette says she’s been to Winnipeg many times, but this is her first official visit since becoming Governor General last October. She says the first official visit to a province or territory is a bit special, with some protocol to follow, but once one has been hosted by a government one can then showcase what makes their capital city extraordinary.