OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will be in Sault Ste. Marie on August 29 and 30, 2012, to celebrate the city’s centennial anniversary.
“Sharon and I are looking forward to returning to our hometown to celebrate this important milestone for a community we both hold close to our hearts,” His Excellency said. “This will be an opportunity for us to look back on the city’s history and on the time that we spent there. We will also have a glimpse at its future by meeting with community leaders from diverse sectors to discuss projects that will make Sault Ste. Marie an even smarter and more caring community.”
Below is Their Excellencies detailed itinerary:
Wednesday, August 29
9:45 a.m.
Official welcome and courtesy call with the Mayor
Their Excellencies will be greeted by city officials and will inspect a Quarter Guard of the 49th Field Artillery before meeting with Her Worship Debbie Amaroso, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie.
Civic Centre, 99 Foster Drive
PHOTO OP – Upon the arrival of Their Excellencies and for the signing of the guest book
10:50 a.m.
Visit to the Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence
Their Excellencies will visit the Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence, which was built on the site of their former high school. During the visit, they will meet with residents and view some memorabilia of their former high school on display in the residence.
Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence, 95 Fauquier Avenue
OPEN TO MEDIA
12:05 p.m.
Address to the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie and the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie North
Their Excellencies will address Rotarians on the occasion of a special lunch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their city. They will talk about the importance of family and community and reflect on their personal experiences growing up in Sault Ste. Marie.
Algoma’s Water Tower Inn, 360 Great Northern Road
OPEN TO MEDIA
3:15 p.m.
100th Anniversary Flower Garden Ceremony
Their Excellencies will be honoured guests at the 100th anniversary ceremony. The Governor General will deliver remarks alongside the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, and Dr. Roberta Bondar, O.C., O. Ont., the Celebrate 100! Honorary Community Ambassador. Their Excellencies will also unveil a commemorative plaque. Following his remarks, the Governor General will present the Caring Canadian Award to three deserving volunteers. The names of the recipients and their citations are attached.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie celebrates 100 years as a City in 2012. For more information, visit Celebrate 100 Sault Ste. Marie.
Civic Centre, North Grounds (off Bay Street)
OPEN TO MEDIA
5:45 p.m.
Visit to the Roberta Bondar Foundation Exhibit at the Art Gallery of Algoma
Their Excellencies will visit the Art Gallery of Algoma to see an exhibition of works from the Roberta Bondar Foundation. The Foundation responds to the recognized need within society to educate and improve knowledge of the environment in a way that stimulates interest, excitement, creativity, responsibility, and for some, the desire for study in this area.
Art Gallery of Algoma, 10 East Street
PHOTO OP – At the beginning of the visit
Thursday, August 30
9:50 a.m.
Community Ecumenical Service
Their Excellencies will attend a community ecumenical service at St. Luke’s Cathedral. The Service of the Word will include the memorial blessing and dedication of a new pipe organ, a memorial to Captain Nichola Goddard, the first female Canadian Forces member killed in Afghanistan. The Governor General will give a reading.
St. Luke’s Anglican Cathedral, 160 Brock Street
CLOSED TO MEDIA
11:45 a.m.
Discussion on Aboriginal education
Their Excellencies will participate in a discussion hosted by Dr. Ron Common, President of Sault College, and Carolyn Hepburn, Director of Native Education at Sault College with Leaders of Batchewana, Garden River and M’Chigeeng First Nations, Elders, students, elementary, secondary and post-secondary school administrators, and other community members on the importance of Aboriginal education. The topics will include innovative and effective programs being implemented in the local community.
Enji Maawnjiding Centre, Sault College, 443 Northern Avenue
PHOTO OP – Upon the arrival of Their Excellencies
1:45 p.m.
Round table on a smart and caring Sault Ste. Marie
The Governor General will participate in a round-table discussion with local service providers and leaders, including United Way chairs, community organizations, the Mayor, and university representatives, to discuss collaboration and cooperation to ensure each citizen is adequately served in their community and is given the chance to serve their community.
Civic Centre, 99 Foster Drive
PHOTO OP – Upon the arrival of His Excellency
4:15 p.m.
Dedication of Algoma University’s Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre (BTCC)
Following a group discussion on innovation with partners of the BTCC, His Excellency will attend a ceremony to officially dedicate the centre. Located on the Algoma University Campus, the BTCC is a mixed use facility occupied in part by Algoma University and by science and technology-based partners. The Governor General will deliver remarks.
Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in psychology, computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic & social development, and biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins. For more information about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.
Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East
OPEN TO MEDIA – For remarks only
Itinerary of Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
2 p.m.
Visit to the former Shingwauk Residential School and Chapel
Her Excellency often visited the Shingwauk Residential School in her youth when she accompanied her mother who was a nurse. She will visit the site which is now the Administration building of Algoma University. The building and the nearby Bishop Fauquier Memorial Chapel have recently been dedicated as national memorials by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East
PHOTO OP – Upon Her Excellency’s arrival at the chapel
2:55 p.m.
Visit to the Algoma Family Services Centre
Her Excellency will visit the Algoma Family Services Centre to learn more about the specialized mental health programming for children and youth,including the Intensive Treatment program, a unique, goal-oriented, comprehensive treatment program designed to serve multi-problem children and youth in their community.
Algoma Family Services Centre, 205 McNabb Street
PHOTO OP – Upon Her Excellency’s arrival
4:10 p.m.
Visit to the Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre (IFC)
Her Excellency will tour the IFC, learn more about their programs and services and meet and speak with participants. The IFC provides programs in areas such as health, education, career development, mental health and wellness, and literacy to Aboriginal children, youth and adults across the city in four different locations.
Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre, 122 East Street
PHOTO OP – Upon Her Excellency’s arrival
