September 25, 2006OTTAWAOn September 27, 2006, on the first anniversary of the Governor General of Canada's installation, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond will be launching a new online place for dialogue: Citizen Voices. Forums, blogs and live chats will enable Internet users to respond to, and interact with, Their Excellencies and other citizens across the country on issues that concern them and ideas and initiatives that are important to them. An innovative and dynamic tool, this site will allow people to communicate easily, expand their networks, and connect with Rideau Hall. This site came about as Mr. Lafond and a team of young and enthusiastic collaborators started thinking about renewing tools for fostering debate and dialogue.
"It has already been a year that we have been meeting with the citizens of this country, and in that time, we have seen initiatives that bring hope to others that should be shared with everyone," the Governor General stated. "We hope to continue the dialogue with other socially engaged women, men and youths who are actively involved in their neighbourhoods, cities and communities. And we hope that this site will be a useful tool to allow Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life to talk to one another and break down solitudes."
Site users will be able to navigate through four themed sections: belonging, youth, women, and culture. Users will be regularly invited to participate in a forum, comment on a blog or chat live with the Governor General or Mr. Lafond. The site content will be continuously evolving as more and more Canadians take part.
On September 27, 2006, the public launch of the site will be followed by a live chat session with the Governor General :
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Launch of the sitePavillon E (Amphitheatre), La Cité Collégiale, 801, Aviation ParkwayTheir Excellencies will deliver remarks, lead a discussion and present the www.citizenvoices.gg.ca site to youth from across the country. Project collaborators will be on hand to answer any questions. OPEN TO MEDIA
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Live chat with the Governor GeneralThe Governor General invites everyone to join her for a chat about issues facing youth at www.citizenvoices.gg.ca. Don't forget to register for it!
Beginning September 27, the www.citizenvoices.gg.ca micro-site will also be accessible via www.gg.ca.
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Media information Lucie BrosseauRideau Hall Press Office613-998-0287www.gg.ca
