January 23, 2008
OTTAWATheir Excellencies, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, will be visiting Vancouver from January 23 to 25, 2008.
During their visit, Their Excellencies will take part in the sixth Urban Arts Forum in Canada to discover how young Vancouver artists are putting their talents to use for the greater good. They will also visit several establishments that offer support to people in need.
UPDATED ITINERARY
Wednesday, January 23
1:30 p.m.Walking tour of the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown
Their Excellencies will visit the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, the Bridge Housing Centre, an emergency shelter, a community centre for an informal meeting with community representatives. They will also visit the Chinatown Millennium Gate.Media who wish to cover this event are invited to meet outside of the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre at 1:20 p.m.PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
3:15 p.m.Roundtable discussion - Big City Mayors Caucus of the Federation of Canadian MunicipalitiesTheir Excellencies have been invited to attend a roundtable forum with representatives from major Canadian cities who, in collaboration with the Canadian Housing Action Network, will address issues such as housing, mental health and treatment centres.CLOSED TO MEDIA
6:30 p.m.Meeting with recipients of the Order of CanadaIn honour of the 40th anniversary of the Order of Canada, Their Excellencies will meet with recipients from British Columbia. CLOSED TO MEDIA
Thursday, January 24
9 a.m.Courtesy Call to Premier of British ColumbiaTheir Excellencies will meet with Mr. Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, to discuss their visit to Vancouver. Media who wish to attend the photo opportunity between Their Excellencies and Mr. Campbell should be on site as of 8:45 a.m.Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Dr., VancouverMEETING CLOSED TO MEDIA
3:30 p.m.Visit to La BoussoleTheir Excellencies will visit La Boussole, the Francophone community centre supporting Vancouver's French-speaking community. La Boussole, 612 Broadway Street East, VancouverVISIT OPEN TO MEDIA
7:30 p.m.Urban Arts ForumAs part of her national tour to encourage young Canadians from disenfranchised neighbourhoods to consider how they can use art to bring about change in their communities, the Governor General will participate in her eighth community forum on youth and the urban arts, two of which took place on foreign soil. The discussion will include approximately 125 young artists representing various neighbourhoods and organizations from the Vancouver area, as well as decision makers, Order of Canada recipients and philanthropists.Centre A Gallery, 2 Hastings Street West, VancouverOPEN TO MEDIA
Friday, January 25
10 a.m.Visit to the Goh Ballet AcademyTheir Excellencies will meet with representatives of Goh Ballet Academy and be treated to a special ballet performance by students of the centre. Media will be able to cover the arrival of Their Excellencies and the ballet performance.2345 Main Street, VancouverMEETING CLOSED TO MEDIA
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Media informationIsabelle SerrurierRideau Hall Press Office613-998-7280www.gg.cawww.citizenvoices.gg.ca
