Diplomatic visits and State ceremonies

All official visits to the Province of New Brunswick by ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls general are planned at least four weeks before the scheduled visit date. The Office of Protocol, through direct communication with the embassy, high commission or consulate general, plans all aspects of the visit program, and engages relevant departments, businesses or institutions as required. 

It is the practice to schedule official visit programs over one day in the capital region. Protocol officers meet all visiting diplomats at the airport, accompany them throughout the visit, and provide transportation from arrival to departure. 

Occasionally, if the visit involves a group of diplomats, a multi-day, multi-sector, multi-region program is planned. 

The host (premier, minister or most senior government official) participating in the visit presents the diplomat with an official gift on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick. 

A courtesy meeting with the lieutenant governor is generally the first meeting of each visit program and involves discussion, official photos and an exchange of gifts. 

Upon the death of persons currently or previously occupying the most senior official positions in the provincial government, it is appropriate and in the public interest, to accord official provincial recognition to them through state ceremonial. Such recognition renders deserving tribute to the deceased and to his or her family on behalf of the province and serves to remind the people both of their identity as a community and of the role played by leaders in that community.  

There are three types of official recognition that the Government of New Brunswick may offer on the death of a current or former senior government official: 

A provincial or state funeral is offered to the family of a former or current lieutenant governor or premier and to individuals who, at the time of their death, hold the position of Speaker, Leader of the Official Opposition or Chief Justice.  

Official recognition is provided upon the passing of a sitting member of the executive council or legislative assembly.  It will also be provided to a former or current lieutenant governor or premier and to individuals who, at the time of their death, hold the position of Speaker, Leader of the Official Opposition or Chief Justice, who have declined to have a state funeral.  

A book of condolence is set-up at the Legislative Assembly Building and/or Government House to mark the passing of a member of the Royal Family, a current or former governor general or lieutenant governor, a current or former prime minister or premier, a current Speaker of the legislature, Leader of the Official Opposition, Chief Justice, member of the Executive Council or member of the legislative assembly.