February 10, 2009
No. A/10 - Modification (location for form return)
U.S. President Barack Obama will visit Ottawa on February 19, 2009. Media representatives who wish to cover the event should apply now for official accreditation for access to the site and media work centres.
For accreditation, all media representatives, including members of Ottawa’s Parliamentary Press Gallery, must complete the Media Accreditation Form (www.international.gc.ca/international/assets/pdfs/MEDIA-Accreditation.pdf) and return it to the Media Accreditation Office no later than 5 p.m. (EST) on Monday, February 16, 2009. Earlier submissions will provide the best chance of ensuring that screening will be completed prior to the event. The form can be dropped off in person, sent by mail or courier, and it must have a recent passport-sized photo attached, with the individual’s name clearly printed on the back. Completed forms can also be sent via email along with an electronic picture in JPEG format.
Submitted accreditation forms must be accompanied by a signed letter from a recognized media organization stating that the applicant has been assigned specifically to cover this visit. The letter must include contact information for the media organization. All required elements (completed form, picture and letter of assignment) must be provided at the same time. The accreditation centre will be operational as of noon on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, but email applications can be submitted immediately.
Media organizations or individuals may check on the status of their application for accreditation by contacting the Media Accreditation Office. Its hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.
As access to the sites is limited, media outlets will be pooled. Receiving media accreditation does not automatically guarantee access to all events. More information on the pooling process will be available later.
For more information, please contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Media Accreditation Office
Accreditation Centre, 2nd Floor
165 Sparks Street
Booth Building
Ottawa ON KIP 5B9
Phone: 613-995-6200
Fax: 613-995-6184 or 613-995-6185
Email: media@excellium.ca
