July 5, 2009
OTTAWA-Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond will welcome the Emperor and Empress of Japan on the occasion of their State visit to Canada, which commences July 3, 2009. The State visit, marking the 80th anniversary of the opening of Canada's first diplomatic mission to Japan, will highlight the importance and strength of the relationship between our two countries.
"It is a great pleasure for my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, my daughter Marie-Éden and myself to welcome Their Majesties to Canada and to offer Rideau Hall as their residence during their stay in Canada's Capital," said the governor general. "This visit will give us the opportunity to highlight the numerous and lasting ties between our peoples."
Itinerary of Their Majesties' program with the Governor General of Canada
Monday, July 6, 2009
(See detailed media schedule below.)
Official Welcoming Ceremony
An official welcoming ceremony, with military honours, will be held at Rideau Hall. Their Majesties will arrive by carriage. Following an inspection of the guard of honour by His Majesty the Emperor, the Governor General will offer remarks, to which His Majesty will reply.
Rideau Hall grounds, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
OPEN TO MEDIA
Their Excellencies meet with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
POOLED PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Ceremonial tree planting
Their Majesties will plant a tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate their State visit to Canada. The tree will be a Canadian Hemlock, which was chosen because it grows both in Japan and in Canada (Tsuga canadensis).
Rideau Hall grounds, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
OPEN TO MEDIA
State Dinner
The Governor General and Mr. Lafond will host a State dinner at Rideau Hall in honour of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
OPEN TO MEDIA – Media are invited to cover the official photo in the Reception Room (Open to all media) and official remarks in the Ballroom (POOL ONLY).
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Reception offered by the Ambassador of Japan
The Governor General and Mr. Lafond will attend a reception hosted by His Excellency Tsuneo Nishida, Ambassador of Japan, and Mrs. Keiko Nishida, in honour of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Media should contact the Embassy of Japan directly for access to this event.
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Additional information:
- The grounds of Rideau Hall will be closed to the public from Sunday, July 5, 2009 to Wednesday, July 8, 2009.
- Events at Rideau Hall during the State visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan are not open to the public.
- All events are subject to change without notice.
Media Accreditation:
Media who wish to cover Their Majesties' visit to Canada, including events at Rideau Hall, must obtain accreditation from the Parliamentary Press Gallery by contacting Collin Lafrance at LafraCo@parl.gc.ca.
Schedule of Events for media planning purposes:
10:30 am – Welcoming Ceremony: Accredited media should arrive at Princess Gate by
9:45 a.m. to take position in the designated media area at the fountain.
11:00 a.m. – Meeting with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan:
Accredited media wishing to cover the beginning of the meeting should arrive by 10:00 a.m. in order to enter the building at the Princess Anne Entrance and pre-position for this meeting.
11:30 a.m. – Tree Planting:
Accredited media should be in place at the tree planting site by 11:15 a.m.
7:30 p.m. – Official photo and State Dinner:
Media should arrive at the Princess Anne entrance by 6:45 p.m.
Media Information
Lucie Caron
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-8158
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca
Embassy of Japan in Canada
613-241-8541
infocul@embjapan.ca
www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp
