May 27, 2008
OTTAWA - During a working visit to the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec, from May 27 to June 5, 2008, Their Excellencies, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, will inaugurate a series of exhibits reflecting 400 years of history to mark the founding of the City of Québec. They will also present activities and hold discussions on the theme of La Francophonie.
Since November 2005, Mr. Lafond has been working closely with the Société du 400e de Québec, as well as with the French organizing committee for the 400th anniversary, and with the cities of La Rochelle, Rochefort and the Agglomération Royan Atlantique, in France. These partnerships have led to the orchestration of a series of artistic and cultural activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the City of Québec and of permanent French presence in North America.
The Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle welcomes thousands of visitors each year. This heritage building and tourist site is a popular destination for its fascinating history and rich cultural heritage.
Please see the list below for activities scheduled during the visit.
Thursday, May 29
Inauguration of the Cap-aux Diamants Redoubt - Citadelle
11 a.m.
Their Excellencies will inaugurate the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt and its exhibits. This defensive structure is one of the rare remnants of Quebec's earliest fortifications, and tells the history of Quebec's military, with which Canada's governors general have had close ties. Through these exhibits, visitors will relive the 400-year history of the Redoubt and the role of the governor general.
Le Grand Livre de Champlain
At the heart of this exhibit is Le Grand Livre de Champlain, a major work of art that evokes the voyages of the explorer to "New France, said Canada". Bringing his notes, maps and etchings under one cover, the book was drawn and handwritten by contemporary artists. It is made of canvas on wood, is set in a metal binding, and weighs 300 kilograms. Visitors will be able to turn the 2.2-metre-high and 1.5-metre-wide pages themselves. This exhibit is an official activity of the Société du 400e.
At the invitation of the mayors of La Rochelle, Rochefort and the Agglomération Royan Atlantique, Their Excellencies accepted, on behalf of the Canadian people, Le Grand Livre de Champlain, during a ceremony held at La Rochelle, on May 8, 2008, during their official visit to France.
OPEN TO MEDIA – At 10 a.m., the members of the media are invited to attend a short presentation by the Public Works and Government Services Canada team of architects responsible for renovating the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt; a historian from Parks Canada; the director of the Royal 22e Régiment Museum; and representatives from the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, who all contributed to the development of the exhibits. In addition, media will be able to cover the inauguration ceremony of the Redoubt at 11 a.m.
These exhibits are possible thanks to the collaboration of Public Works and Government Services Canada; the Royal 22e Régiment Museum; the Department of National Defence; Parks Canada, and the cities of La Rochelle, Rochefort and the Agglomération Royan Atlantique, in France.
Friday, May 30
Inauguration of The City of Québec Told Through Honours Exhibit – Citadelle
11 a.m.
Their Excellencies will launch the exhibit, City of Québec: A Story Told Through Honours, in the presence of Mr. Jean-Pierre Kelche, Général d'armée and Grand Chancelier de la Légion d'honneur, and Mr. Bernard Voyer, President of the Ordre national du Québec council. Through French, British, Canadian and Quebecois honours, this exhibit focuses on 40 women and men who have contributed to the development of Québec, and who have been recognized by the city's consecutive regimes and governments since its foundation in 1608.
Visitors will be able to see the insignia of the Légion d'honneur, the Order of the British Empire, the Ordre national du Québec and the Order of Canada. Guests will also find out how, since the foundation of Québec, the coats-of-arms and flags of France and Great Britain have been used as symbols of identity, authority and sovereignty.
The public is invited to react to a blog on the development of this exhibit, written by Ms. Emmanuelle Sajous, Deputy Secretary of the Chancellery of Honours. The blog will be posted on the Web site of Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, on the Citizen Voices (www.citizenvoices.gg.ca) page.
OPEN TO MEDIA – Members of the media are invited to cover the inauguration ceremony.
This exhibition is made possible by the collaboration of the Musée national de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie; the Ceremonial Office of the United Kingdom; the Secrétariat de l'Ordre national du Québec; the Association des membres de l'Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur; and the Association canadienne des membres de l'Ordre National du Mérite.
Sunday, June 1
Naval Gun Salute – Rendez-vous naval de Québec – Terrace of the Citadelle
3 p.m.
Their Excellencies will receive an official salute from the seven Canadian and foreign ships that currently navigate the St. Lawrence River as they travel by the Citadelle. This salute will be marked by a 21-gun salvo from the ships. The event will also be attended by Canadian lieutenant-governors and commissioners, who are holding their annual meeting at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle this year, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the City of Québec.
OPEN TO MEDIA- PHOTOS ONLY – Members of the media will be able to take photos of Their Excellencies as they officially salute the ships.
Monday, June 2
Discussion on social change, youth and democracy with 35 youth representing the countries of La Francophonie
9:30 a.m.
In collaboration with the Conseil international des Organisations de jeunes de La Francophonie (CIJEF), the Governor General will host a dialogue with approximately 35 youth from over 30 countries to discuss this theme: How can the democratic participation of youth and national youth councils provide innovative solutions to the global challenges of the day? The CIJEF is a coalition of 52 member organizations from all of the francophone countries, and includes 31 national youth councils. Mr. Clément Duhaine, administrator of the organization, will be the guest of honour.
OPEN TO MEDIA – Members of the media are invited to cover the discussion.
Tuesday, June 3
Official welcome of the Cap sur les ports francophones participants - Salon de l'Hôtel Pur
(395, de la Couronne Street, Saint-Roch Quarter, Québec)
6:30 p.m.
Cap sur les ports francophones (Setting Sail for Francophone Ports) is a series of encounters filled with artistic emotions and intellectual discussions organized by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and Escales Improbables. Travelling from country to country and from port to port (Bordeaux, France; Saint-Louis, Senegal; Jacmel, Haiti; Fort de France, Martinique-France; Québec, Canada), artists, architects, urban planners, philosophers and academics will meet in Québec for one week to share their thoughts on culture and La Francophonie, as well as enjoy artistic presentations.
As honorary patrons of this event, Their Excellencies will officially greet the participants of Cap sur les ports francophones upon their arrival in Québec.
OPEN TO MEDIA – Members of the media are invited to cover the arrival of the participants and Their Excellencies' speeches.
Wednesday, June 4
Art Matters Forum in honour of the Cap sur les ports francophones initiative - Citadelle
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Art Matters forum in Québec is a continuation of the discussion held in Bordeaux, on May 9, 2008, during an official visit to France by Their Excellencies. On this occasion, His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond met with French participants of the Cap sur les ports francophones and regional artists to discuss The Francophonies: Can this mobile and interconnected world promote the fair circulation of ideas and creators?
The dialogue continues in Québec, where artists and academics from Senegal, Martinique and Haiti will join their Canadian francophone and francophile counterparts to exchange on the following theme: The French language, the homeland of creation: How can a world of mobility and connections promote an equitable circulation of ideas and creators? How can we benefit from this drive to support the development of local creative spaces and international dialogue.
The Art Matters forums, initiated by His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, encourage dialogue and provide a space for reflection on the creative process and how it is received by society. Over 20 Art Matters forums have already been held in Canada and abroad over the past two years.
OPEN TO MEDIA – Members of the media will be able to cover the discussion.
Philosophy Café - Citadelle
6 p.m.
Art Matters participants invite the public to attend a philosophy café at the Residence of the Governor General featuring artistic performances and the chance to discuss this theme: Les Francophonies as a laboratory for cultural diversity and dialogue among civilizations. To take part in this discussion, members of the public are required to register in advance at www.cafephilo@gg.ca .
OPEN TO MEDIA – Members of the media will be able to cover the discussion.
Thursday, June 5
Conference-debate with Michel Serres - Citadelle
6 p.m.
Famous philosopher and member of the Académie française Michel Serres will host a conference and debate on the topic: Will the French language become a regional language? Seating is limited; interested participants are required to register in advance at conference@gg.ca .
OPEN TO MEDIA – Members of the media will be able to cover the discussion.
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Media information
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-302-0912 (cellular)
meletourneau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
Marthe Blouin
Official Spokesperson to the Governor General of Canada
613-301-3379 (cellular)
mblouin@gg.ca
