Visit of the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., Speaker of the Senate, Republic of Chile

 

From March 10 to 12, 2026, at the request of the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., travelled to Santiago, Chile, to attend the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast. The Speaker was accompanied by Vince MacNeil, Chief of Staff, Office of the Speaker. In addition to the events related to the inauguration, the Speaker had the opportunity to meet with:

• Gabriel Boric, Outgoing President of the Republic of Chile;
• José Antonio Kast, President of the Republic of Chile;
• Paulina Núñez, President of the Senate of Chile;
• Daniel Mas, Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism and Minister of Mining of Chile;
• María Paz Arzola, Minister of Education; and
• Minister Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, responsible for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad.

While the main purpose of the visit to Chile was to represent Canada at the presidential inauguration, the Speaker took the opportunity to meet with additional interlocutors with the goal of strengthening bilateral ties and fostering dialogue with key political leaders.

In addition to the aforementioned meetings, the Speaker had the opportunity to meet the staff of the Embassy of Canada in Santiago, where she delivered brief remarks highlighting the role of the Senate in Canada’s constitution. She also expressed her appreciation for their work in advancing Canada’s interests in Chile.

Speaker Gagné was supported by the Ambassador and senior officials from the Embassy of Canada for briefings on bilateral relations and other matters relevant to Canada–Chile ties.