May 1, 2006
OTTAWA -- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, will conduct their first regional visit to Saskatchewan from May 8 to 10, 2006. The visit will begin in Regina, with stops in Fort Qu'Appelle and Qu'Appelle.
During their three-day visit to Saskatchewan, Their Excellencies will focus on activities that empower groups of diverse backgrounds, from youth, First Nations and residents of North Central Regina's inner-city to be heard.
"When I'm in Saskatchewan, I will be meeting with agents of renewal who make things happen in the province. For example, I will listen to the First Nations about their contributions, their challenges and their hopes. I will meet with veterans and war brides who came here more than 60 years ago. I will lend my ears to street youth and learn about their efforts to raise awareness. I will also pay tribute to members of the RCMP who created a network to promote an open dialogue among the police forces of First Nations communities," said the Governor General.
The Saskatchewan public will have the chance to meet Governor General Michaëlle Jean on at least three occasions, the first during a walk-about in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens following an outdoor welcoming ceremony at the Legislative Assembly in Regina, and then during visits to the communities of Fort Qu'Appelle and Qu'Appelle. Other highlights of the visit will include a meeting and a community reception with the Tribal Council, elders and youth of the Treaty 4 First Nation in Fort Qu'Appelle, a visit to North Central Regina's inner-city community, an interactive discussion with street youth and members of the NightWind Theatre at the Street Culture Café in Regina and an address to Cadets at the RCMP Academy.
This will be the 8th provincial visit for the Governor General since the beginning of her mandate. Governors general traditionally travel to every province and territory during the first year in office. Up to now, the Governor General has visited Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut, and she will visit Alberta from May 4 to 6, 2006.
A detailed itinerary of the Governor General's visit to Saskatchewan will be released prior to the visit. For more information on the Governor General, please visit our Web site at www.gg.ca .
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Media information Marilyne GuèvremontRideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-7280
