OTTAWA-Their Excellencies, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond invite you to at an Open House at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec, on Saturday, June 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This public event will pay tribute to the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec. You will be entertained by lively musical performances, enriching exhibits and tasty treats prepared by Rideau Hall chefs. While you are visiting, you'll have the opportunity to send a message to Canadian soldiers deployed overseas.
Official welcome by Their Excellencies
Their Excellencies will welcome visitors to the Citadelle and will provide an overview of the activities being held to commemorate the City of Québec's 400 years of history.
Musical performances
This festive afternoon will feature the folk music of Les Chauffeurs à pieds, and the Musique du Royal 22e Régiment.
Exhibitions on 400 years of history
Within the historic residence itself, which you will have the opportunity to visit, you can view the City of Québec: A Story Told Through Honours exhibit. Through French, British, Canadian and Québecois honours, this exhibit focuses on 40 men and women who have contributed to the development of Québec and who have been recognized by the city's consecutive regimes and governments since its founding in 1608.
Another fascinating exhibit you won't want to miss is the Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana: Early Impressions of Quebec. This exhibit which illustrates Quebec's history features a considerable number of prints, watercolours, drawings, lithographs, etchings and oil paintings amassed by Peter Winkworth over a 45-year period.
The Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt, a stone's throw from the residence, is featuring an exhibit called Le Grand Livre de Champlain. Bringing his notes, maps and etchings under one cover, Le Grand Livre evokes the voyages of the explorer to "New France, said Canada." In addition to this major work of art, another exhibit focuses on the role of the governor general and the history of the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt. Built between 1693 and 1694, this heritage building is one of the rare remnants of Québec's earliest fortifications and one of Canada's oldest military buildings.
These exhibits are possible thanks to 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; the Association canadienne des membres de l'Ordre National du Mérite; Library and Archives Canada; 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.
Sweet delights?
During your visit, don't miss the chance to try sweet bits and bites prepared by the chefs of Rideau Hall.
Messages to Canadian Forces personnel
Through the cooperation of the Valcartier Family Centre, you can send a message to Canadian Forces personnel serving abroad.
Free shuttle service to the Residence
A free shuttle service will be provided beginning at 1:00 p.m. (departing from the Plains of Abraham, Ontario Street). The Open House will be held rain or shine.
Their Excellencies will be at the Citadelle and will take part in a series of activities in the region from
June 21 to 28, 2008. The Residence and the Redoubt are open to visitors Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from May to June, and daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from June 24 to Labour Day.
For more information, please call 418-648-4322 or 1-866-936-4422, or visit our Web site: www.gg.ca.
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Media information
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
613-302-0912 (cellular)
Marthe Blouin
Official Spokesperson to the Governor General of Canada
613-993-0397
613-301-3379 (cellular)
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
