Annual Conference of the Governor General, Lieutenant Governors and Territorial Commissioners at Rideau Hall

OTTAWA, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will host the Annual Conference of the Governor General, Lieutenant Governors and Territorial Commissioners, at Rideau Hall, from June 18 to 20, 2017. 

The governor general, lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners meet annually to discuss how they can better serve Canadians from coast to coast to coast. During the conference, the viceregal representatives will attend the following events:

• Presentation of Canadian Honours in Recognition of Outstanding Indigenous leadership, June 19, at 11 a.m.
• Inauguration of Rideau Hall's forecourt, June 19, at 4 p.m.
• Presentation of awards for the Imagine a Canada initiative, June 20, at 10:30 a.m.
• Ceremonial planting of the Regal Celebration Maple tree on June 20, at 3 p.m.

 

Information related to some of these events will be available in separate news releases.

It is anticipated that they will attend a traditional Royal Assent ceremony in the Senate Chamber on June 19 at 7 p.m. Below are details related to the Traditional Royal Assent and the ceremonial tree planting.

Monday, June 19

7 p.m.
Traditional Royal Assent
In the event this formal ceremony takes place in the Senate Chamber, the Governor General, as The Queen's representative, would grant Royal Assent to bills passed by both the Senate and the House of Commons, thereby making them Acts of Parliament. This would be the first time this ceremony is attended by lieutenant governors from across the country and the commissioner of Yukon.
Senate Chamber, Parliament Hill
POOLED MEDIA ONLY
MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Deng, Senate Chamber, 613-995-2891, [email protected]  

Tuesday, June 20

3 p.m.
Ceremonial Planting of the Regal Celebration Maple Tree
His Excellency, joined by his viceregal colleagues, will mark the 150^th anniversary of Confederation with the planting of the Regal Celebration Maple tree with soil from provinces and territories from across the country. The tree combines the hardiness of Western maples with the bright red fall colour of those in Eastern Canada. Jeffries Nurseries of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, developed the tree through crossbreeding and hardiness trials over two decades.

Over 140 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general of Canada. They mark visits by members of the Royal Family, heads of State and other dignitaries and special events, such as the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.
Grounds of Rideau Hall
OPEN TO MEDIA

Media wishing to cover the ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall are asked to confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive no later than 2:45 p.m. on the day of the event.

 

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell), [email protected]