OTTAWA, April 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will conduct a one-day visit to Halifax on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. They will attend events focused on education, innovation, and mental health. They will also take the opportunity to recognize young Canadians for their remarkable work within their communities.
Their Excellencies' itinerary for the day is outlined below. All timings indicated are in Atlantic Daylight Time (UTC/GMT -3 hours).
Wednesday, April 22
12:15 p.m.
Keynote Address to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
The Governor General will deliver a keynote address on how universities have an important leadership role in their communities at AUCC's 2015 Membership and Board Meetings. He will then participate in a question period with its members.
The voice of Canada's universities at home and abroad, AUCC represents the interests of 97 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university degree-level colleges. For more information, visit www.aucc.ca.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
12:15 p.m.
Presentation and Discussion on School Mental Health Programs
Her Excellency will attend a presentation about TeenMentalHealth.org, an innovative online resource designed by Dr. Stanley Kutcher, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. Mrs. Johnston will learn about how the site meets the needs of youth, parents, educators and health care providers by translating and sharing scientific knowledge about mental health. She will also hear from partners about how the programs have impacted young employees working in their institutions. The presentation will then be followed by a moderated discussion with representatives from non-profit and non-governmental organizations, as well as experts in the mental health care sector.
TeenMentalHealth.org uses the best scientific evidence available to develop application-ready training programs, publications, tools and resources that can be applied across disciplines to enhance the understanding of adolescent mental health and mental disorders. Dr. Kutcher works to create, develop and deliver nationally and internationally recognized research, education and clinical programs by collaborating with health care providers, policymakers, schools, the business community, non-profit organizations and the general public. For more information, visit http://teenmentalhealth.org.
University Hall, MacDonald Building, 6300 Coburg Road, Dalhousie University
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Mitchell Shea, Digital Strategy, 902-407-8150, 902-719-5352 (cell), [email protected]
2:30 p.m.
Visit to Laing House by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will visit Laing House and speak to youth living with mental illness about how they have benefited from the services offered by the organization. She will then participate in a member-led wool felting workshop.
Laing House is a peer support organization for youth living with mental illness, where members can embrace their unique gifts and find their way in a caring and supportive environment. Laing House youth are ages 16 to 29 and have a diagnosis of mood disorder, psychosis, and/or anxiety disorder. For more information, visit www.lainghouse.org.
1225 Barrington Street
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Haliburton, Communications Coordinator,
Laing House, 902-425-9018, ext. 256; 902-789-2275 (cell), [email protected]
2:30 p.m.
Discussion on Industry and University Synergy
His Excellency will deliver remarks and participate in a round-table discussion with leaders from Nova Scotia's private, public and academic sectors on creating a dynamic industry/university ecosystem.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
5:30 p.m.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award Ceremony
As national chair of The Duke of Edinburg's Award in Canada, His Excellency will present the Gold Award to 45 young Canadians from Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, in recognition of their dedication and personal accomplishments within their communities.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has three levels—Bronze, Silver and Gold—which encourage youth between the ages of 14 and 24 to pursue activities in four areas: community service, physical fitness, skills development and outdoor exploration. Gold-level participants also complete a residential project. For more information, visit www.dukeofed.org.
McNally Auditorium, 923 Robie Street, St. Mary's University
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Connie Miller, Executive Director, 902-425-5454, ext. 329, [email protected]
SOURCE Government House
Media information: Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell), [email protected]; Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.
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