The County of Brant extended a warm welcome last week to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Edith Dumont, who visited the region for a series of events that highlighted community collaboration, youth engagement, and the recognition of women’s contributions to Canadian society.
Mayor David Bailey and members of County Council hosted Her Honour during her two-day visit, which took place on July 10 and 11.
The visit marked a significant occasion, as Dumont is Ontario’s 30th Lieutenant Governor and the first Francophone to hold the office.
“We were privileged to have welcomed the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to the County of Brant, and we appreciate her taking the time to visit,” said Mayor Bailey. “Her Honour shares a vision that I connect with—a commitment to building relationships, working together, and encouraging diversity and inclusion within our community.”
Her Honour’s itinerary began with an official meeting at the County of Brant Council Chambers in Downtown Paris, where she and Mayor Bailey discussed shared priorities and opportunities for community development.
The meeting was followed by a luncheon with local students, who engaged in thoughtful conversations about leadership, inclusion, and the importance of pursuing their ambitions.
Later that afternoon, Dumont and Mayor Bailey attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Ontario Brantford, lending their support to athletes and volunteers from across the province.
On the second day of her visit, Her Honour toured the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead National Historic Site in St. George.
Hoodless, who was a pioneering advocate for women’s education and the founder of the Women’s Institute, served as an inspiring backdrop for the Lieutenant Governor’s focus on empowering women and celebrating their achievements.
During the visit, Dumont participated in a roundtable discussion with members of the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada, exploring ways to further the organization’s mission of supporting women and families in rural communities.
The discussions were followed by a gathering in the homestead’s pavilion, where guests enjoyed tea and refreshments.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to Her Honour’s visit to Brant,” said Mayor Bailey. “We are so grateful she was able to join us and take part in meaningful conversations with our youth, community leaders, and organizations. Her presence was an honour, and we hope she enjoyed her time here as much as we enjoyed hosting her.”
Her Honour was appointed Lieutenant Governor in 2023 after a distinguished career in education and advocacy.
Throughout her tenure, she has emphasized the importance of inclusivity, bilingualism, and creating opportunities for young Ontarians to thrive.
