March 16, 2007
OTTAWAOn the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, and in advance of the United Nations International Day for the Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on March 25, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will hold the first‑ever Student Forum "From the Abolition of the Slave Trade to the Elimination of Racial Discrimination", at Rideau Hall, on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of the forum is to raise awareness about the historical significance of the abolition of the slave trade and to promote a dialogue among citizens on the importance of eliminating racism and promoting human rights in 21st‑ century Canadian society.
"The Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act is important to Canadians because it reminds us of the legacy of slavery in Canada, and of the efforts that citizens continue to display every day to build a more just and equitable society. We all have much to learn from these heroesslaves, lawmakers, community and religious leaders, and ordinary citizenswho dared to dream of a better world. And by their audacity, they helped put an end to one of the most barbaric chapters in our history," said the Governor General.
In addition to the March 21 event, the Governor General is, today, launching an online pan-Canadian forum "From the Abolition of the Slave Trade to the Elimination of Racial Discrimination" at http://www.citizenvoices.gg.ca/en/forums/13 . Encouraging all Canadians to join forces to eliminate racial discrimination, the Governor General invites Canadians to share their experiences and ideas on how to combat racism and foster greater understanding between individuals and groups.
The ideas and information expressed through the virtual forum will be used to inform the discussion at the Governor General's Student Forum on March 21. Participants will assemble at Rideau Hall to discuss the significance of the 200th anniversary and the need to consolidate efforts to combat racial discrimination across Canada. Governor General Michaëlle Jean will offer words of welcome. Panellists and participants will include students, people such as Lawrence Hill, Joanne St‑Lewis, Denyse Beaugrand-Champagne and Roméo Saganash who work or study in the field of racism and discrimination, as well as performances by the Bigstone Singers, Ranee Lee, C.M., and Nova Scotia poet Shauntay Grant. This event is supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
March 16, 2007
Launch of the online pan-Canadian forumThe Governor General launches the national virtual forum on "Abolition and the Elimination of Racial Discrimination" on http://www.citizenvoices.gg.ca/en/forums/13 .
March 21, 200710:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Ballroom at Rideau Hall Governor General's Student Forum "From the Abolition of the Slave Trade to the Elimination of Racial Discrimination"The Governor General joins students and civic leaders in a discussion on eliminating racism. OPEN TO THE MEDIA
Members of the media interested in covering this event are asked to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office.
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Media information Marilyne GuèvremontRideau Hall Press Office613-998-7280www.gg.ca
