OTTAWA—At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and at the invitation of the government of the People’s Republic of China, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, along with their daughter Marie-Éden, will conduct a visit to China, from June 30 to July 5, 2010. They will
be accompanied by Canadian delegates working in various fields.
The visit will begin in Shanghai, where Their Excellencies will celebrate Canada Day at Expo on July 1st with the flag raising and national anthem ceremony.
Their Excellencies will then travel to Guangzhou in the province of Guangdong, the driving force behind China’s economic boom and the region from which most Chinese-Canadians emigrate.
They will also visit China’s most populous province, Sichuan, in Chengdu notably, which was struck by a devastating earthquake in 2008 that killed more than 80,000 people and where Canadian solidarity played a major role. In every region and city, Their Excellencies will highlight the numerous partnerships that Canada and China have developed and, along with the accompanying delegation, they will explore opportunities to strengthen and diversify these partnerships.
The visit will end in the country’s national capital, Beijing. Their Excellencies and the delegation will meet with the President of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Hu Jintao and be hosted to an official dinner.
Below is the itinerary for this visit (local time):
Monday, June 28
Ottawa
6 p.m.
Departure from MacDonald-Cartier International Airport
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Canada His Excellency Lan Lijun will bid farewell toTheir Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation as they leave to conduct a visit to China.
MacDonald-Cartier International Airport, Ottawa
OPEN TO MEDIA
Tuesday, June 29
Shanghai
11:50 p.m.
Arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Upon their arrival in Shanghai, Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will be welcomed by Chinese Government Officials.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai
OPEN TO MEDIA
Wednesday, June 30
Shanghai
10:15 a.m.
Visit to Fudan University and panel discussion
Their Excellencies will visit Fudan University in Shanghai, where they will be greeted by the President Mr. Yang Yuliang and Vice President Mr. Wang Weiping. Following a meeting with the University President, the Governor General will deliver a speech in front of students. A discussion with Chinese and Canadian panelists and university students on education as a communication tool to build relationships will follow.
Fudan University was founded in 1905 and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in China. The University has 29 schools and departments with 70 undergraduate disciplines. It confers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees Fudan University has had a long history of collaboration with Canadian institutions such as York University, MacMaster University and Queen’s University in research and development, student and faculty exchanges, academic programs, and executive training.
PHOTO OP FOR OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY – Official greeting by President of Fudan University (Guanghua Towers, 220 Handan Road)
PHOTO OP – Meeting with President of Fudan University (Golden Hall, 4th floor, Guanghua Towers)
OPEN TO MEDIA – Speech and Panel Discussion (202 Auditorium Hall, 2nd floor, Guanghua East Tower)
4 p.m.
Visit to Espace Montréal at Urban Best Practices Area of Shanghai Expo
Their Excellencies will be greeted by Montréal’s Official Representative to the World Expo, Mr. Louis Dussault, to visit Espace Montréal. The pavilion tells the story of the Saint Michel Environmental Complex in Montréal through a multimedia projection.
The story of the Saint Michel Environmental Complex began in 1984, when various community stakeholders decided to take back their living environment and rehabilitate a site depleted by more than a century of industrial exploitation. The site was a calcium quarry for 60 years, and then was one of North America’s largest landfills for the next 30 years. It was gradually transformed into a magnificent urban park.
Urban Best Practices Area, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
5 p.m.
Visit to Vancouver Pavilion and Informal dialogue on China’s Urbanization
Their Excellencies will visit the Vancouver Pavilion and participate in a dialogue on China’s urbanization. The Canadian and Chinese participants, representing a cross-section of sectors including forestry, architecture, engineering and design, academia, and others, will share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and issues associated with China’s urbanization. In addition, the discussion will include examples of innovation using Canadian technologies in China that have helped mitigate issues arising from urban development.
Urban Best Practices Area, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Thursday, July 1
Shanghai
9:30 a.m.
Meeting with senior Chinese Government Official
Their Excellencies will meet with senior Government Official.(Location to be confirmed), Shanghai
PHOTO OP
10:30 a.m.
Celebration of Canada’s National Day at Expo Centre
On Canada Day, Their Excellencies and Marie-Éden as well as the delegation will attend the flag raising and national anthem ceremony at Expo Shanghai.
East Square, Expo Centre, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
10:35 a.m.
Meeting with Chinese Leadership
Their Excellencies will meet with Chinese Leadership and sign the honour book.
Welcome Hall, Room 102, Expo Centre, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA – Meeting and honour book signing.
11:15 a.m.
Speech from the Governor General on Canada Day
In honour of our country’s national day, the Governor General will deliver an address to Canadians and Chinese visitors gathered for July 1st celebrations at Expo Shanghai. Cultural performances from artists Kreesha Turner, Jets Over Head, Le Grand Dérangement and Dancers of Demelahamid will conclude the ceremony.
Green Hall, Expo Centre, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
1:15 p.m.
Visit to the China Pavilion
In the presence of the Vice-Mayor of Shanghai, Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will tour the China Pavilion.China Pavilion, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
2:15 p.m.
Visit to the Canada Pavilion
Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will discover the Canada Pavilion and conduct a walking tour of its courtyard along with Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2010 Mr. Mark H. Rowswell.
The design and construction of the Canada Pavilion reflects Canadian values of inclusivity, sustainability, and creativity. This three-story structure is the product of collaboration between the Government of Canada and Cirque du Soleil, with building expertise from SNC Lavalin. Among the largest pavilions at Expo 2010, the Canada Pavilion is destined to provide each visitor with a glimpse of life in a Canadian urban centre.
Canada Pavilion, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
8 p.m.
Canadian Cultural Performance
Their Excellencies and Marie-Éden as well as the delegation will attend the Canadian Cultural Performance show presented in honour of Canada Day. Canadian artists Kreesha Turner, Jets Over Head, Le Grand Dérangement and Dancers of Demelahamid will take the stage.
Expo Centre, Shanghai 2010 Exposition Site
OPEN TO EXPO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Friday, July 2
Guangzhou
Noon
Arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Upon their arrival in Guangzhou, Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will be welcomed by the Vice-Governor of Guangdong.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou
OPEN TO MEDIA
2:40 p.m.
Visit to Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center
Her Excellency along with the Canadian delegation will visit the ear, nose, and throat ward as well as the pediatric surgery ward of the Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center (GWCMC), and meet with young patients and their parents, and Canadian-trained doctors. A discussion with doctors, nurses and administrative staff of the Medical Center will follow.
The Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center has a 25-year partnership with Canada, in particular with the B.C. Children’s Hospital. Doctors and other medical staff from the hospital are sent every year to B.C. Children’s Hospital for training in pediatric cardiac surgery, ear nose and
throat treatment, hospital management, nursing, and rehabilitation of children. Canadian medical doctors have also visited the GWCMC for training. The Medical Center is a public hospital which treats 2 million out-patients annually, of which 80% are children and 20% women.
No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
OPEN TO MEDIA
6 p.m.
Meeting with Party Secretary of Guangdong Province
Their Excellencies will meet with Mr. Yang Wang, Party Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China to discuss Canada-China relations.Shangri-La Hotel, North River Ballroom, 1st floor, Guangzhou
OPEN TO MEDIA
6:30 p.m.
Dinner offered by the Guangdong Leadership
In honour of Their Excellencies visit to the province, the Guangdong Leadership will host a dinner.Shangri-La Hotel, North River Ballroom, 1st floor, Guangzhou
CLOSED TO MEDIA
Saturday, July 3
Foshan
9:15 a.m.
Visit to the Guangda Garment Co. Factory
Their Excellencies will travel to Foshan City to visit the Guangda Garment Co. Factory, a clothing factory which employs 2000 migrant workers. The visit will close with a discussion with women migrant workers and local officials from the Foshan municipal government and Foshan Women’s Federation.
On March 17, 2010, Canada announced its contribution of 4 million dollars through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) over three years to support the project Labour Rights: Preventing Trafficking for Labour Exploitation Project, to be implemented by the International Labour Organization and the All-China Women's Federation. Located in the Shunde District, Foshan City is home to over 2 million migrant workers.
Guangda Garment Co. Ltd Factory Building, Room 2F, 2nd Level, Foshan
OPEN TO MEDIA
Saturday, July 3
Guangzhou
12:40 p.m.
Dialogue with Young Canadian Businesspeople in South China
Their Excellencies and the delegation will meet young Canadian businesspeople to exchange on the challenges of operating a business in South China.
The China Hotel, Balcony Room, 2nd level, Guangzhou
PHOTO OP – Greetings(Balcony Room, 2nd floor, The China Hotel)
Saturday, July 3
Chengdu
6 p.m.
Arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Upon their arrival in Chengdu, Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will be welcomed by the Vice-Governor of Sichuan.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu
OPEN TO MEDIA
Sunday, July 4
Chengdu
9 a.m.
Visit to the Panda Base
Their Excellencies along with Marie-Éden and the delegation will tour the research centre’s exhibition, visit its nursery and see panda enclosures.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (“Chengdu Panda Base”) is a non-profit organization engaged in wildlife research, captive breeding, conservation education, and educational tourism. It was founded in 1987 with six giant pandas rescued from the wild. Now the captive population has increased to 83 animals. As a demonstration project, the Chengdu Panda Base has dedicated itself to giant panda conservation and made efforts to combine natural scenery and man-made landscapes to create appropriate and humane living areas for giant pandas, red pandas, and other endangered animals.
No. 26 Panda Road, Chengdu
OPEN TO MEDIA
10:15 a.m.
Visit to the Western China Medical Centre
Their Excellencies will head to the Western China Medical Centre to discover its historical campus, and visit the Number Eight Building where they will see an exhibition on the School’s history and how Canadian missionaries have made significant contributions to the Centre.
John Small, Canada's first Ambassador to China was born in Sichuan and his father was chief architect for the original campus. Canadian ties to the school remain strong today with initiatives with Western, Dalhousie and Manitoba Universities. Most recently the University of Western Ontario visited the university to forward the development of a Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR) - WCMS Industry Roundtable initiative which will help bring Canadian life sciences technologies to China. The university is recognized as one of the top medical schools in China.
Building Eight, Sichuan University, Chengdu
OPEN TO MEDIA
11:30 a.m.
Meeting with a Sichuan Leader
Their Excellencies will meet with the Sichuan leader to discuss the diplomatic relations between Canada and China.
Dignitary Hall, Jinjiang Hotel, Chengdu
OPEN TO MEDIA
12:15 p.m.
Luncheon with a Sichuan Leader
In honour of Their Excellencies visit to the Sichuan Province, the Sichuan leadership will host a luncheon.
Jinjiang Hall, Jinjiang Hotel, Chengdu
CLOSED TO MEDIA
1:30 p.m.
Totem Pole Ceremony
Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation will visit Qiang Minority artifacts on display at the Sichuan Museum. The tour will be followed by a ceremony where Grand Chief Edward John,First Nations Summit, will donate a 4.9-metre high totem pole carved by Canadian First Nations to the Qiang people who were severely affected by the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the south-western Chinese province of Sichuan in 2008.
Sichuan Museum, Chengdu
OPEN TO MEDIA
Sunday, July 4
Dujiangyan County
4:15 p.m.
Visit to wood-frame Xiang’e Primary School
Their Excellencies will visit the Xiang’e Primary School which was rebuilt following the earthquake thanks todonations from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia. The visit will include a briefing on other reconstruction projects, as well as an opportunity to meet some students, and teachers at the school.
Natural Resources Canada contributed three million dollars as part of a collaborative eight-million dollar project between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia. The project has provided training, material, and technical expertise for the construction of energy-efficient wood-frame buildings in the affected region. This method of construction is highly suitable for earthquake-prone regions because of its adaptability and seismic stability.
Xiang’e Primary School, Dujiangyan County
OPEN TO MEDIA
5:45 p.m.
Visit to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Their Excellencies will discover the ingenuity of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction on this important irrigation system began in the 3rd century B.C. and is still used today.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Dujiangyan County
OPEN TO MEDIA
Sunday, July 4
Beijing
11:20 p.m.
Arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport
Upon their arrival in China’s capital Beijing, Their Excellencies accompanied by Marie-Éden and the Canadian delegation will be greeted by Chinese Government Officials.
Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing
OPEN TO CANADIAN MEDIA
Monday, July 5
Beijing
10 a.m.
Visit to the Badaling Great Wall
Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will visit the Badaling Great Wall, a symbol of Chinese civilization and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Badaling Great Wall
OPEN TO CANADIAN MEDIA
1:45 p.m.
Visit to the Forbidden City
Their Excellencies, Marie-Éden and the delegation will visit the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty.
Forbidden City, Beijing
PHOTO OP FOR CANADIAN MEDIA – Upon arrival only.
6 p.m.
Meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China
Their Excellencies and the delegation will meet with the President of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Hu Jintao.
Yangyuanzhai Pavilion, Diaoyutai, Beijing
PHOTO OP – Official welcome and opening remarks.
6:30 p.m.
Official dinner hosted by the President of the People’s Republic of China
In honour of Their Excellencies’ visit to the country, the President of the People’s Republic of China will host an official dinner.
Beijing
CLOSED TO MEDIA
-30-
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Media Information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287 (office)
meletourneau@gg.ca
Marthe Blouin
Spokesperson to the Governor General of Canada
613-993-0397 (office)
mblouin@gg.ca
