June 23, 2014
Ottawa – Leading up to Canada Day, escape the downtown crowds and bring your family to Rideau Hall, the governor general’s official residence and workplace in Ottawa. From June 28 to July 1, 2014, a flurry of activities will be offered, including the cross–Canada travelling exhibit It’s An Honour!, on–site for four days only.
See details below on how you can join in the fun! All activities are free of charge.
It’s an Honour! Travelling Exhibit
From June 28 to July 1, 2014
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Making a special stop at Rideau Hall, It’s An Honour! introduces visitors of all of ages to the Canadian Honours System, which recognizes people for their extraordinary achievement, bravery, valour and service. Mounted in a specially designed vehicle, the interactive learning space features interpretative panels, multimedia elements and unique artifacts.
On the road since last summer, the exhibit has already travelled through the Northwest Territories, Yukon, the Western provinces and northern Ontario. Over the next year, it will continue to journey to schools, community centres, special events and small towns across the country. For more information, visit www.gg.ca/HonoursExhibit, or follow @HonoursExhibit on Facebook and Twitter.
Open to Media – Media are invited to visit the exhibit and are asked to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office in order to organize a tour or to conduct interviews.
Launch of Storytime at Rideau Hall
Saturday, June 28, 2014
11 a.m.
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston, along with special guests Roch Carrier, O.C., and Suzanne Pinel (Marie–Soleil), C.M., will officially launch Storytime at Rideau Hall. Join Their Excellencies for stories, snacks and a great time as they kick off this annual outdoor family activity that celebrates reading and literacy!
Over the summer months, every Friday and Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Storytime at Rideau Hall will be hosted in collaboration with Frontier College, a Canadian non–profit organization that promotes literacy. Volunteers will invite visitors and families to settle in under the Reading Tent to read children’s books and participate in fun literacy activities.
Open to Media – The event will take place outside, near the residence.
Caring Canadian Award Ceremony
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
9:30 a.m.
During a special outdoor ceremony on the grounds of Rideau Hall, His Excellency will present the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to 7 volunteers who have contributed to making local communities smarter and more caring. The list of recipients and their citations will be published in a separate release.
Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character.
Open to Media – The ceremony will take place outside, near the residence.
Olympian Clara Hughes visits It’s an Honour! Travelling Exhibit
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
2:45 p.m.
Following the Canada Day Noon Show on Parliament Hill, Their Excellencies will accompany Clara Hughes on a brief visit of the travelling exhibit during its last day at Rideau Hall. As an Officer of the Order of Canada, Ms. Hughes is among the extraordinary Canadians featured in the exhibit.
The six–time cycling and speed–skating Olympic medallist will have just completed Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk earlier that afternoon on Parliament Hill. Focused on ending the stigma around mental illness, this unprecedented 110–day bicycle journey across Canada supported local mental health initiatives by community groups, schools and other organizations in every province and territory.
Open to Media – Photo op inside the exhibit and media availability following the tour.
Visit the residence and tour the grounds
Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While you are at Rideau Hall, take in the sights and visit for the whole day! Tour the State rooms, where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries are welcomed. Bring a picnic, stroll through the grounds at your leisure, and enjoy the play structure with your children. And before you go, don’t forget to witness the pageantry and colour of the Ceremonial Guard during the hourly Relief of the Sentries.
TripAdvisor® recently awarded Rideau Hall a 2014 Certificate of Excellence, which recognizes consistent hospitality excellence and outstanding traveller feedback, making it the perfect place for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate our country.
For more information about Rideau Hall’s summer activities or guided tours, please call 613–991–4422 or 1–866–842–4422 (toll–free), write to guide@gg.ca or visit our website at www.gg.ca/visitus.
Please note that Rideau Hall is a working residence; scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events.
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Media information:
Marie–Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613–998–9166
marie-pierre.belanger@gg.ca
Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.
