May 29, 2009
OTTAWA-Continuing poor weather conditions have forced Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond to cancel their visit to the community of Pangnirtung, in Nunavut today.
The visit to Pangnirtung will be postponed to Sunday, May 31, 2009, if weather conditions improve. Due to the planned visit to Pangnirtung, the presentation of vice-regal awards and decorations in Iqaluit will now take place at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 31.
The Governor General will remain in Iqaluit today and pursue her programme with the following events:
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Friday, May 29
5:30 p.m.
Opening of the Annual Lieutenant-Governors' Conference
The Governor General will attend the opening dinner of the three-day Annual Lieutenant-Governors' Conference to be held this year in Iqaluit. Workshops and activities involving the Iqaluit community are planned until Sunday, May 31, 2009.
Frobisher Inn, Iqaluit
CLOSED TO MEDIA
8 p.m.
LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium
Their Excellencies will attend the LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium. The Governor General will deliver a speech. The guest speaker is Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, C.M., and the first recipient of the Governor General's Northern Medal. This event will be broadcast live on IsumaTV at www.isuma.tv.
The LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture, founded by John Ralston Saul in 2000, is one of the most prominent lecture series on issues concerning the public good in Canada. The symposium brings Canadians together to discuss and debate the future shape of Canada's civic culture. For the first time in its history, the event will be held in Canada's North.
Inuksuk High School, Iqaluit
OPEN TO MEDIA
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Saturday, May 30
4 p.m.
Meeting with Premier of Nunavut
Their Excellencies will meet with the Honourable Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut.
Frobisher Inn, Iqaluit
PHOTO OP - At the beginning of the meeting.
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT - The Governor General and the Premier will deliver statements to the press following their meeting.
5:30 p.m.
Urban Arts Forum and Pizza Party
Their Excellencies will host a discussion with youth, emerging artists and civic leaders to explore the ways in which the arts and culture in the North are being used to address social issues and empower youth.The event will be moderated by Ms. Sylvia Cloutier and will include hip hop performances by local groups.
Cadet Hall, Iqaluit
OPEN TO MEDIA
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Sunday, May 31
9:30 a.m.
Presentation of vice-regal awards and decorations
In the presence of the lieutenant-governors and commissioners of Canada, the Governor General will honour five individuals who have contributed tremendously towards their respective communities.
Caring Canadian Award
Mrs. Beth McKenty, who has dedicated her life to helping young people cope with hardship through artistic expression, will receive the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. The award recognizes Canadians for unpaid voluntary activities, most often behind the scenes at the community level.
Medal of Bravery
A Medal of Bravery will be presented to Mr. Jeffrey Hopkins. The Decorations for Bravery honour those who risk their lives to save or protect the lives of others. The following is Mr. Hopkins' citation.
Academic Medal
The Governor General's Academic Medal will be presented to Ms. Lucy Idlout, who graduated in 2008 from the Nunavut Arctic College's hairstylist program. The Governor General's Academic Medal was first awarded by the Earl of Dufferin in 1873. It is one of the most prestigious educational awards in Canada.
Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal
Mr. Leonard Weiss, Iqaluit Airport Fire Chief, will receive the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for his 27 years of service. The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal recognizes 20 years of service or more. This Medal recognizes those who have dedicated themselves to preserving Canada's public safety through exemplary service.
RCMP Long Service Medal
Finally, Her Excellency will present a 30-year clasp to Chief Superintendent Martin Cheliak, Commanding Officer, ."V" Division in Nunavut. The clasp will be added to the RCMP Long Service Medal he received after 20 years of service. This year marks the 75th anniversary of this medal, which was created by King George V in 1934.
Frobisher Inn Hotel, Iqaluit
OPEN TO MEDIA
Pangnirtung, Nunavut
Sunday, May 31
12:45 p.m.
Arrival of Their Excellencies in Pangnirtung
Upon their arrival, Their Excellencies and Marie-Éden will be welcomed by Canadian Rangers.
Pangnirtung Airport, Pangnirtung,
OPEN TO MEDIA
13:15 p.m.
Community gathering in Pangnirtung
Their Excellencies and Marie-Éden will meet with members of the community of Pangnirtung. The exact location is still to be confirmed.
OPEN TO MEDIA
-30-
A news release will be published on Sunday to confirm details on the arrival time of
Their Excellencies in Kuujjuaq, Quebec.
Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
meletourneau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
