May 21, 2004 OTTAWA - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, is pleased to invite the public this season to visit the official home and workplace of the Governor General at La Citadelle of Québec. For the first time, guided tours of the residence will be offered throughout the entire summer, from May 22 to October 31, 2004. These free one-hour tours, in French and English, begin at the Welcome booth near the Dalhousie Gate and are offered in cooperation with the Royal 22e Régiment Museum. Guides from the Museum will bring to life the roles and responsibilities of the Governor General through interpretation of the rooms in which she carries out her functions. The residence, located inside La Citadelle of Québec, has witnessed such memorable historic events as the Quebec Conferences of 1943 and 1944. While residing within the fortress walls, the Governor General hosts Canadian and foreign dignitaries, honours Canadians and performs the functions of Canada's Head of State. It was in 1872 that the Earl of Dufferin chose La Citadelle to re-establish a residence for the Governor General in the old capital, reviving a tradition that began with the settlement of New France and that continues to this day. Tour hours*: From May 22 to June 20: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From June 24 to September 6: daily, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. From September 7 to 26: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. From September 27 to October 31: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. *Hours may vary to accommodate official ceremonies. Members of the public can contact the Royal 22e Régiment Museum at (418) 694-2815 for any additional information on the tours. Information on the Governor General's residence at La Citadelle is also available on our Web site, at http://www.gg.ca/governor_general/Citadelle_e.asp Media representatives interested in taking the tour are asked to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office. -30- Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office Marilyne Guèvremont, Lucie Brosseau or France Langlois (613) 998-7280, (613) 998-0287 or (613) 993-8157 www.gg.ca La Citadelle Jocelyne Long (418) 648-3172
