OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - In reply to an invitation from Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia and at the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and
Mrs. Sharon Johnston will conduct a State visit to the Kingdom of Sweden from February 19 to 23, 2017.
"Sharon and I are very much looking forward to conducting a State visit to the Kingdom of Sweden with our hosts, Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia," said His Excellency. "This important visit will focus on innovative, inclusive and sustainable societies. Canada and Sweden already share close, positive and constructive bilateral relationships. Our visits to the cities of Stockholm, Malmö, Lund and Gothenburg will not only allow us to reinforce our shared values and common interests, but also seek new partnerships that will further drive global excellence and international collaboration.
During their visits to these four cities, Their Excellencies will be accompanied by Their Majesties, as well as parliamentarians and prominent Canadians, who are leaders on innovation, trade, research, social inclusion and sustainability. Through people-to-people ties, they will work with their Swedish counterparts to further enhance the Canada-Sweden collaboration. This will be the second time a Canadian governor general visits Sweden. The Right Honourable Edward Schreyer visited the country in 1981.
All timings indicated are in local time zone.
STATE VISIT TO THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN
Stockholm
Sunday, February 19
9:50 p.m.
Arrival in Stockholm
Upon their arrival in the capital city of Stockholm, Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates will be greeted by Ms. Heather Grant, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Sweden, and representatives from the Swedish government.
Arlanda International Airport
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Stockholm
Monday, February 20
11:55 a.m.
Carriage Procession
Their Excellencies will join Their Majesties in horse-drawn carriages and leave in a procession for the official welcoming ceremony at the Royal Palace.
Royal Stables
PHOTO OP
12:10 p.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony
Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates will be officially welcomed to the Kingdom of Sweden by Their Majesties. During the ceremony, the Governor General will receive military honours and inspect a guard of honour from the Royal Life Guards.
The Royal Palace of Stockholm is a combination of Royal residence, workplace and cultural-historical monument open year-round to visitors. Built in the baroque style by architect Nicodemus Tessin, it is designed as a Roman palace. For more information, visit www.kungahuset.se.
Inner Courtyard, Royal Palace of Stockholm
OPEN TO MEDIA
12:40 p.m.
Audience with Their Majesties
In honour of their State visit to Sweden, Their Excellencies will take part in an audience with Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.
Royal Palace of Stockholm
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
3:05 p.m.
Meeting with the Speaker of the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament)
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will meet with Mr. Urban Ahlin, Speaker of the Riksdag, and representatives of the Swedish parliament to discuss bilateral relationships between Canada and Sweden.
The Riksdag is the highest decision-making assembly in Sweden. The tasks of the Riksdag include making laws and determining the central government budget. It also examines the work of the government. For more information, visit www.riksdagen.se.
Riksdag
PHOT OP—Upon arrival in front of the building entrance
PHOTO OP FOR POOL MEDIA ONLY— Inside the building entrance, at the beginning of the meeting and during the signing of the guest book
3:30 p.m.
Visit to Fryshuset Youth Centre by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will visit a youth centre supported by the City of Stockholm and meet with leaders and youth taking part in an activity to learn about their projects.
Fryshuset provides education programs and acts as a meeting place for young people to share and develop social commitments, interests, culture and sports. The centre believes in integration by inclusion and aims for youth to become entrepreneurs by realizing their dreams. For more information, visit http://fryshuset.se/in-english.
Fryshuset Youth Centre
OPEN TO MEDIA
4 p.m.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden
His Excellency will meet with Mr. Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden, to discuss the relationship between Canada and Sweden. Members of the Canadian delegation and representatives of the Swedish government will then join them for an expanded meeting.
Rosenbad
PHOTO OP—Upon arrival inside the building at the top of the stairs
PHOTO OP FOR POOL MEDIA ONLY—At the beginning of the meeting with the
Prime Minister and the Governor General and the beginning of the expanded meeting with the Canadian delegation
4:45 p.m.
Media Statements
Following the meeting, the Governor General and the Prime Minister will deliver statements and take questions from members of the media.
Bella Venezia Press Room, Rosenbad
OPEN TO MEDIA
5:45 p.m.
Ice Skating with Former Swedish NHL Players in Kungsträdgården
His Excellency will be joined by former Swedish NHL players for a skate on the Kungsträdgården outdoor ice rink located in the heart of Stockholm.
Kungsträdgården Park
PHOTO OP
8 p.m.
State Banquet Hosted by Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Sweden
In honour of their State visit to Sweden, Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates will attend a State banquet hosted by Their Majesties at the Royal Palace. The Governor General and the King will deliver remarks on this occasion.
Royal Palace of Stockholm
PHOTO OP FOR POOL MEDIA ONLY—Upon arrival, during the receiving line and the remarks by the Governor General and the King
Stockholm
Tuesday, February 21
9 a.m.
Keynote Address by the Governor General and Panel Discussion on Opportunities for Canadian and Swedish Businesses Under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
His Excellency will address government representatives and members of the business community and academia on the growth of Canada and Sweden's trade and investment relationship, as well as why our countries should collaborate further. Canadian delegates will then take part in a panel discussion on new opportunities for enhancing trade between Canada and Sweden with their Swedish counterparts under CETA and within the context of the Progressive Trade Agenda. This event is hosted by Business Sweden.
Rosenbad Conference Facility
OPEN TO MEDIA
9:15 a.m.
Visit to the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP) by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will have the opportunity to discuss YAM—a mental health training program for students between the ages of 14 and 16 to reduce suicide attempts—with staff from the centre, who will share their best practices and thoughts on community support programs related to mental health.
Since 1995, NASP has been the Government of Sweden's expert in suicide prevention. The centre's main goals are to create a lasting reduction in the number of suicides and attempted suicides; remove circumstances which can lead to children and young people taking their lives; aid with early detection and break negative trends of suicide and attempted suicide in target groups; increase general awareness on suicide and support people with suicidal thoughts and relatives of people who have attempted or committed suicide. For more information, visit http://ki.se/en/nasp.
National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health, Karolinska Institute
OPEN TO MEDIA
10:45 a.m.
Round Table with Officials from the Karolinska Institute (KI) and the Mats Sundin Fellowship in Developmental Health
Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates, joined by Mr. Mats Sundin, will visit a lab at KI's Department of Neuroscience to see how a 3D bio printer can build 3D living tissues out of human cells and print cells and bioinks. The visit will be followed by a presentation on the Mats Sundin Fellowship in Developmental Health and a discussion with KI and Mats Sundin Fellowship officials on how to encourage and support education and innovation opportunities and how strong connections developed through hockey have led to an important research fellowship between KI and the University of Toronto.
KI and the University of Toronto are two of the world's most highly acclaimed teaching and research institutions in the field of biomedical research. Beginning with a generous gift from Mats Sundin in 2012, KI and the University of Toronto established a new fellowship program designed to provide a scientific exchange and training program that develops future health leaders in both countries. The aim of the Mats Sundin Fellowship program is to support two postdoctoral fellows, in Stockholm and Toronto respectively, to receive a two-year biomedical research exchange placement at KI or the University of Toronto. For more information, visit https://internwebben.ki.se/sites/default/files/mats_sundin_fellowship.pdf.
Karolinska Institute
OPEN TO MEDIA
12:30 p.m.
Working Luncheon at Stockholm City Hall
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will attend a working luncheon hosted by Ms. Eva-Louise Erlandsson Slorach, Chairman of the City Council of Stockholm, Ms. Karin Wanngård, Chairman of the Executive Board of the City of Stockholm, and Ms. Margareta Björk, First Vice Chairman of the Stockholm City Council, at City Hall, where Nobel Prize winners are celebrated each year. The City of Stockholm is proud of its sustainability planning, as laid out in its urban plan which will be among the subjects for discussion.
The urban plan Vision 2040: A Stockholm for Everyone was developed by Stockholm's city departments, administrations and companies, along with several external partners. It is a long-term, complete vision for the city's development and sustainable growth. The vision consists of four main themes: a Stockholm that stands united; eco-smart Stockholm; financially sustainable Stockholm; and a democratically sustainable city. For more information, visit http://international.stockholm.se/governance/vision-2040.
Stockholm City Hall
PHOTO OP FOR POOL MEDIA ONLY—Upon arrival, at the beginning of the luncheon and during the signing of the guest book
2:30 p.m.
Keynote Address by the Governor General and Panel Discussion on A New Era of Excellence: The Canada-Sweden Opportunity
His Excellency will deliver a keynote address on the window of opportunity for Canada and Sweden to work together as partners in learning and innovation to members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA) and the young academy of scientists and representatives from various centres of excellence in Sweden. A discussion between Canadian and Swedish counterparts will then follow.
Founded in 1739, KVA is an independent organization whose overall objective is to promote the sciences and strengthen their influence in society. The Academy takes special responsibility for the natural sciences and mathematics but endeavours to promote the exchange of ideas between various disciplines. It is responsible for awarding the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, which reward discoveries, inventions and improvements that have brought the greatest benefits to mankind. For more information, visit www.kva.se/en.
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
OPEN TO MEDIA
2:30 p.m.
Visit to Aging Research Center (ARC) by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will visit the facility that studies dementia and the social causes around aging. She will then have a discussion on modern care and innovative approaches to aging and health, with a specific focus on dementia prevention and care, with Swedish experts. Mrs. Johnston will also meet with Canadian researcher Shireen Sindi, who is working in a group with leading research results on how to lower or postpone risks of being affected by dementia.
ARC, which was established in 2000 by the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, is a multidisciplinary research centre devoted to aging and health. Its mission is to understand the biomedical and psychological aspects of the aging process in relation to social and physical contexts across the entire life span. The centre's ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of older individuals by meeting the challenges and embracing the opportunities presented by the aging population. For more information, visit http://ki-su-arc.se/about-us.
Aging Research Center
OPEN TO MEDIA
6:45 p.m.
Culinary Creations by Canadian and Swedish Chefs
On the occasion of this State visit, flavourful and innovative culinary creations will be prepared by Canadian and Swedish Chefs for the Friends of Canada Reception, an event celebrating the strong collaboration and enduring ties between Canada and Sweden.
Vasa Museum
PHOTO OP—In the presence of the Chefs
7:30 p.m.
Friends of Canada Reception
His Excellency will offer short remarks and present the Governor General's Visit Medallions to individuals for their continued and exceptional service in promoting and enhancing the Canada-Sweden relationship. The evening will mark Canada's 150th anniversary with performances by Canadian artists Iskwé, singer/songwriter from Cree/Dene and Irish descent based in Toronto; Ten Strings and a Goat Skin; a young acoustic power trio from Prince Edward Island; and Begonia, a singer from Winnipeg; as well as a Cirque du Soleil virtual reality presentation provided by Montréal's Phi Centre.
Vasa Museum
OPEN TO MEDIA
Malmö
Wednesday, February 22
9:55 a.m.
Arrival in Malmö
Their Excellencies will be greeted by representatives from the Swedish government and the City of Malmö.
Malmö Airport
OPEN TO MEDIA
10:35 a.m.
Keynote Address by the Governor General and Panel Discussion on Celebrating Diversity in Canadian and Swedish Cities: Maximizing the Potential of Newcomers
His Excellency will attend a panel discussion on celebrating diversity at the Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare at the University of Malmö. The Governor General will deliver a keynote address on diversity and how Canada and Sweden can work together as partners in welcoming newcomers, fostering social harmony and sharing and developing best practices in building inclusive societies. Canadian delegates will then exchange on the topic with their Swedish counterparts and answer questions from the audience.
The Malmö Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare aims to strengthen the University of Malmö's migration research profile, expanding its international network and building bridges to the world outside academia. It welcomes international scholars who choose to locate or undertake parts of their research projects in Sweden. For more information, visit www.mah.se/english/research/Centers/Malmo-Institute-for-Studies-of-Migration-Diversity-and-Welfare.
University of Malmö
OPEN TO MEDIA
10:35 a.m.
Discussion on Best Practices at Project ALHVA with Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will meet with researchers and doctors to discuss how Project ALHVA supports disadvantaged families in Malmö with infants who have one or both parents suffering from mental illness or substance abuse problems.
Project ALHVA uses home-based psycho-educational methods and collaborates with social services, health care and preschools to help families in a holistic way.
University of Malmö
OPEN TO MEDIA
12 p.m.
Working Luncheon Hosted by the County Governor of Malmö
Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates will attend a working luncheon hosted by Mrs. Anneli Hulthén, County Governor of Malmö, on environmental sustainability. The City of Malmö is aiming to run City Hall on renewable energy by 2020, and the entire city by 2030.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Lund
Wednesday, February 22
2 p.m.
Visit to återSKAPA by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will visit återSKAPA, a reuse centre, and participate in a creative workshop with children between the ages of 5 and 10.
återSKAPA reuses waste material that would otherwise have been discarded by local industry as an opportunity for creation, communication and education. The centre works with playful design processes to expand subject knowledge, increase environmental awareness and stimulate creativity, initiative and ingenuity. For more information, visit http://en.aterskapamalmo.se.
återSKAPA
OPEN TO MEDIA
2:15 p.m.
Round Table on Innovation and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration Among Business, Academia and Institutions in Canada and Sweden
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will see the construction site of the European Spallation Source (ESS), one of the largest science infrastructure projects being built in Europe today based on the world's most powerful neutron source. They will then participate in a discussion on innovation and the benefits of cross-sectoral linkages between business, academia and institutions in Canada and Sweden, including bio-economy and forestry. At the end of the discussion, His Excellency and Canadian delegates will witness the renewing of a Memorandum of Understanding between a Canadian and a Swedish organization.
ESS is a next-generation research facility, which is part of a European Research Infrastructure Consortium. It is being built through the collective global effort of hundreds of scientists and engineers. The unique capabilities of this new multi-disciplinary research facility will both greatly exceed and complement those of today's leading neutron sources, enabling new opportunities for researchers across the spectrum of scientific discovery, including life sciences, energy, environmental technology, cultural heritage and fundamental physics. For more information, visit https://europeanspallationsource.se.
European Spallation Source Building
OPEN TO MEDIA
6 p.m.
Dinner Hosted by Lund University Vice-Chancellor
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will attend a dinner hosted by Mr. Torbjörn von Schantz, Vice-Chancellor of Lund University, to discuss academic links and opportunities.
Lund University, which is celebrating its 350th anniversary, conducts student and staff exchanges and research collaborations with Canadian universities, including the University of British Columbia, McGill and Waterloo. For more information, visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se/home.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Gothenburg
Thursday, February 23
9:50 a.m.
Arrival in Gothenburg
Their Excellencies will be greeted by representatives from the Swedish government and the City of Gothenburg.
Gothenburg Airport
OPEN TO MEDIA
10:30 a.m.
Visit to Team Haga Gothenburg Primary Care by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will meet with doctors and social workers from Team Haga Gothenburg Primary Care to discuss the care they provide to women for a drug- and alcohol-free pregnancy and how they support them to stay substance-free during and after pregnancy.
Haga Gothenburg is a centre that offers free-of-charge antenatal and paediatric health care services.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
10:30 a.m.
Visit to Lindholmen Science Park
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will visit Lindholmen Science Park.
Lindholmen Science Park is a former shipping area in the Port of Gothenburg which is now an international collaborative environment for research, innovation and education within the areas of transport, information and communications technology and media. The Park offers a neutral development environment where industry, academia and the public sector run research and development projects.
Lindholmen Science Park
PHOTO OP— When His Excellency and Canadian delegates will take the Ferry to the park (weather permitting)
11:15 a.m.
Address by the Governor General and Panel Discussion on Sustainable Shipping, the Future of Transportation and CETA
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will attend a panel discussion on sustainable shipping between Canada and Sweden with port authorities and members of the shipping industry. The Governor General will launch the discussion with a speech on the importance of sustainable cities, including transportation and trade. Canadian delegates will discuss the increase in trade, the need for energy-efficient transportation, sustainable port management and Intelligent Transport Systems, and alternate fuel with their Swedish counterparts.
Ericsson, Lindholmen Science Park
OPEN TO MEDIA
12:45 p.m.
Tour on the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid Bus
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will travel on the new Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid Bus, recently purchased for use in Montréal and using Canadian technology to produce electricity from renewable sources.
Lindholmen Science Park
PHOTO OP
1 p.m.
Working Luncheon Hosted by the Regional Council of Västra Götaland and the City of Gothenburg
Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates will attend a working luncheon hosted by Mr. Joakim Larsson, President of the Regional Council of Västra Götaland, and Ms. Lena Malm, Chairman of the City Council of Gothenburg, on sustainable infrastructure planning and greener cities. The Governor General will deliver remarks on this occasion.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
3 p.m.
Visit to Westport AB
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will meet with company representatives to learn how the Canadian subsidiary integrates its alternative fuel technology in Volvo cars, allowing them to run on the climate-friendly fuel bio-methane.
Westport Fuel Systems is driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow with advanced clean-burning fuel systems and components that can change the way the world moves. Headquartered in Vancouver, it serves its customers in more than 70 countries with leading global transportation and industrial application brands. For more information, visit http://wfsinc.com.
Westport AB, Pressvägen 2
OPEN TO MEDIA
3:45 p.m.
Round Table on Innovation and Environmental Sustainability
His Excellency and Canadian delegates will attend a discussion on municipal action for sustainable transportation with representatives from the government, academia and business. The event will also be an opportunity to exchange on the latest in silent and emission-free public transport.
Volvo Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. With its headquarters in Gothenburg, it employs about 100 000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. For more information, visit www.volvogroup.com.
Volvo Trucks Experience Centre
OPEN TO MEDIA
5:45 p.m.
Official Departure
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf will bid farewell to Their Excellencies and Canadian delegates as they return to Canada.
Gothenburg Airport
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Members of the public can follow the Governor General's State visit to the Kingdom of Sweden on Facebook and Twitter, and online at www.gg.ca, where speeches, photos and videos will be posted.
Media wishing to obtain photos of the visit can contact the Rideau Hall Press Office.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
To obtain the latest updates, visit www.gg.ca.
Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell), [email protected]
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