OTTAWA, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will visit Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout and North Bay from March 29 to 31, 2016.
"Sharon and I are delighted to be visiting northern and northwestern Ontario," the Governor General said. "The communities of Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout and North Bay each have unique strengths and cultures, and each is a regional hub of challenge, change and opportunity. We're looking forward to meeting with community members and to participating in a series of activities related to volunteerism, mental health and collaboration with First Nations."
Below is Their Excellencies' detailed itinerary.
Thunder Bay
Tuesday, March 29
9:45 a.m.
Courtesy Call with the Mayor of Thunder Bay and the Chief of Fort William First Nation
Their Excellencies will meet with His Worship Keith Hobbs, Mayor of Thunder Bay, and Chief Peter Collins of the Fort William First Nation.
Lobby, City Hall, 500 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay
PHOTO OP—At the beginning of the meeting
MEDIA CONTACT: John Hannam, 807-625-2238, [email protected]
10:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion on Volunteerism and Presentation of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Awards
Their Excellencies, along with members of different volunteer associations, will participate in a panel discussion on the importance of volunteerism. The discussion will begin and close with brief remarks from His Excellency. Following the discussion, His Excellency will present the Caring Canadian Award to 20 recipients. The list of recipients and their citations follow.
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. Members of the public are invited to share their stories about deserving Canadians by submitting a nomination to the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The list of recipients and their citations follow. Additional information is available at www.gg.ca/caring.
Council Chamber, City Hall, 500 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: John Hannam, 807-625-2238, [email protected]
12:00 p.m.
Visit to the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute
The Governor General will visit the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) to learn about the facility's innovative practices, such as the cyclotron, which creates medical isotopes used in cancer treatment.
TBRRI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that acts as the research arm of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). For more information, visit www.tbrri.com.
Cyclotron facility, Health Services Centre, 1040 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay
PHOTO OP— Tour of cyclotron facility at 1:10 p.m.
MEDIA CONTACT: Marcello Bernardo, 807-684-6765, [email protected]
| 12:15 p.m.
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise provides programs and services to women across northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new business opportunities. For more inform visit www.paro.ca.
2 p.m.
This organization is a network of community service agencies working together to support young people who want to make positive changes in their lives. For more information, visit www.tbaycounselling.com |
2 p.m.
Visit to the Resolute Forest Products Pulp and Paper Mill
The Governor General will tour the Thunder Bay pulp and paper mill and receive an overview of the company's operations, with a focus on sustainable achievements and innovative products.
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including newsprint, specialty papers, tissue, market pulp and wood products. For more information, visit www.resolutefp.com.
Resolute Forest Products Paper Mill, 2001 Neebing Avenue, Thunder Bay
OPEN TO MEDIA– Presentation of Resolute Forest Products Pulp and Paper Mill at 2 p.m.
PHOTO OP – In front of the Kraft Mill Office Building at 2:30 p.m.
MEDIA CONTACT: Georjann Morriseau, 807-632-1358, [email protected]
4 p.m.
Meet with Feathers of Hope
Their Excellencies will meet with youth leaders involved with Feathers of Hope to hear about their mobilization efforts to bring Aboriginal young people together to address the key issues identified in Feathers of Hope: a First Nations Youth Action Plan.
Feathers of Hope Youth Group is a powerful movement launched by Ontario's Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth in 2012. For more information, visit www.provincialadvocate.on.ca.
Feathers of Hope,435 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay
PHOTO OP—At the beginning of the meeting
MEDIA CONTACT: Eva Lannon, 416-300-9721, [email protected]
Sioux Lookout
Wednesday, March 30
9:20 a.m.
Courtesy Call with the Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and Mrs. Cherry Lawrance
Their Excellencies will meet with His Worship Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, and his spouse, Mrs. Cherry Lawrance. The meeting will be followed by an informal discussion with municipal councillors.
Lobby, City Hall, 25 Fifth Avenue, Sioux Lookout
PHOTO OP—At the beginning of the meeting
MEDIA CONTACT: Brian MacKinnon, 807-737-2700 ext. 2243, [email protected]
10:45 a.m.
Round-table Discussion on Education
The Governor General will participate in a round table with local school board representatives and students to discuss the different education initiatives in Sioux Lookout, including programs aimed at improving education for First Nations communities in the region.
Boreal Meeting Room, Heritage Railway Station, 53 Front Street, Sioux Lookout
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Brian MacKinnon, 807-737-2700 ext. 2243, [email protected]
| 10:45 a.m.
The Equay-wuk (Women's Group) provides intensive leadership skills development training and mentorship to young Aboriginal women in 31 remote First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario. For more information, visit www.equaywuk.ca. |
12 p.m.
Visit to the Meno Ya Win Health Centre
Their Excellencies will tour the Centre and then meet with local First Nation leaders and health professionals to discuss health care and mental health issues.
The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is a state-of-the-art care facility providing a broad range of basic and specialized services along the continuum of primary health care. For more information, visit www.slmhc.on.ca.
Meno Ya Win Health Centre, 1 Meno Ya Win Way, Sioux Lookout
PHOTO OP—At the beginning of the tour
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Lawrance, 807-738-1294, [email protected]
2:15 p.m.
Visit to the Hockey Canada Skills Program at Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena
Their Excellencies will visit the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena to meet with coaches, volunteers and students to learn about the Hockey Canada Skills Program being run by Sioux Mountain Public School.
The Hockey Canada Skills Academy is a program designed to engage students in hockey during school hours to learn about the sport and to develop individual skills. For more information, visit www.hockeycanada.ca.
PHOTO OP
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Boos, 807-737-3480 ext. 2002, [email protected]
North Bay
Thursday, March 31
8:15 a.m.
Visit to 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay
Their Excellencies will visit 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, home of the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS).Upon arrival, His Excellency will deliver remarks to 22 Wing's Defence Team. Following this, His Excellency will tour the base including the Sector Air Operations Centre that is part of Canada's commitment with NORAD. During this time, Her Excellency will visit the Military Family Resource Centre and learn about the new RCAF Veterans Family Program being piloted at 22 Wing North Bay.
22 Wing North Bay, also known as the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), is responsible for providing surveillance, identification, control and warning for the aerospace defence of Canada and North America at the Sector Air Operations Centre. For more information, visit www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/22-wing/index.page.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
11 a.m.
Panel Discussion at Nipissing University
The Governor General will participate in a panel discussion on Aboriginal reconciliation and education at Nipissing University. His Excellency will offer opening and closing remarks. This event will be streamed live online at http://live.nipissingu.ca/kntc.html.
Nipissing University is a primarily undergraduate university that provides students with the opportunity to discover their own intellectual passions by participating in and leading original research while engaging in a wide range of enriching co-curricular activities. For more information, visit www.nipissingu.ca.
Nipissing University Theatre, Nipissing University, 100 College Drive, North Bay
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Pipe, 705-471-6205, [email protected]
| 11 a.m.
The North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) is a unique health care organization that provides acute care for North Bay and the area and is the specialized mental health provider northeastern Ontario. For more information, visit www.nbrhc.on.ca. One Kids Place provides rehabilitation services to children and youth with communications, developmental and physical disabilities and delays. For more information, visit www.onekidsplace.ca. |
2 p.m.
Visit to Héritage Public School
Their Excellencies will visit Héritage Public School to learn about North Bay's vibrant Francophone community and about the school's progressive anti-bullying program. His Excellency will deliver brief remarks and engage in a question-and-answer period with students.
Héritage Public school is the French language school in North Bay and offers French quality education. For more information, visit www.cspne.ca/heritage.
Héritage Public School, 2345 Connaught Avenue, North Bay
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Jocelyne Roy, 705-474-5500, [email protected]
3:30 p.m.
Meeting with Regional Mayors and Chiefs of First Nations Surrounding North Bay
The Governor General will meet with regional mayors and chiefs of First Nations in the North Bay area to discuss the region's economy and active co-operation with First Nations communities.
City Hall, 200 McIntyre Street East, North Bay
PHOTO OP— At the beginning of the meeting
MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Al McDonald, 705-474-0400 ext. 2517, [email protected]
| 3:30 p.m.
The North Bay Indian Friendship Centre aims to improve the quality of life of First Nation, Metis and Inuit people living in North Bay. For more information, visit www.nbifc.org/health-programs. |
5:30 p.m.
Dinner Hosted by the City of North Bay and Local Services Clubs
Their Excellencies will attend a dinner hosted by the city of North Bay and local services clubs. His Excellency will deliver remarks on his vision for Canada's sesquicentennial celebrations. A question period will follow.
OPEN TO MEDIA – At the beginning of the reception for the Governor General's remarks
MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Al McDonald, 705-474-0400 ext. 2517, [email protected]
CARING CANADIAN AWARD
RECIPIENTS AND CITATIONS
Sharon Bak
Thunder Bay, Ontario
For over 15 years, Sharon Bak has assisted people affected by loss and hardship as a disaster management volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross. She has helped provide short-term responses, whether by administering goods and services or social supports, as well as leadership and guidance in the field and in times of great need.
Sue-Ellen Blekkenhorst
Murillo, Ontario
Sue-Ellen Blekkenhorst has been helping people for 20 years through the Red Cross, Persons United for Self-Help (PUSH Northwest), and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Through her volunteer work, she has demonstrated her commitment to her community and to bringing people together.
Jamie Boston
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
For over 25 years, Jamie Boston has been involved with the Army Cadet program as a volunteer and a civilian instructor. In 2013, he co-founded the Algoma Autism Foundation, which promotes inclusion and awareness in communities across North America.
Peter Cloidt
Thunder Bay, Ontario
For several years, Peter Cloidt has been providing free income tax services to the developmentally challenged in the Thunder Bay region. He also volunteers with the Canadian Cancer Society by assisting chemotherapy and radiation patients with their transportation needs.
Sharon Corston
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Sharon Corston has been dedicated to Special Olympics Canada, the Anglican and Evangelical Lutheran Group, the Federated Women's Institutes, and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Most recently, her work has centred on alleviating poverty in Thunder Bay.
Deborah "Debbie" Demers
Earlton, Ontario
For over 25 years, Debbie Demers has been actively involved in her community. The Club Lions d'Earlton, the Fondation communautaire du Temiskaming, the Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste d'Earlton and the Earlton Steam and Antique Show have all benefitted from her leadership and dedication.
Valerie Dennison
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Valerie Dennison has been dedicated to the well-being of the people of the Thunder Bay area for over 50 years as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, the Alzheimer's Society and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Claudette Gleeson
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Claudette Gleeson advocates for increased health, educational and cultural services offered to Francophones in northwestern Ontario, through her involvement with l'Accueil francophone, the Coopérative du regroupement des organismes francophones de Thunder Bay and l'Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario.
Jerome Harvey
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Jerome Harvey has striven to make health care more accessible for people around the world for over 40 years as the CEO and founder of the Medical Equipment Modernization Opportunity (MEMO). He has helped ship 62 ocean containers of health equipment to Cuba, Liberia and the Philippines.
Cliff Huber
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Cliff Huber has been a volunteer in the Thunder Bay area for over 50 years, coaching sports teams, teaching basic computer skills, and working in the collective interests of seniors and the community through Retired Teachers of Ontario.
Nora Kolmel
Red Lake, Ontario
For nearly 20 years, Nora Kolmel has been serving her community as a member of and a volunteer with the Red Lake Lions Club and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, helping seniors, low income families and persons with disabilities.
Pam Kosola
Thunder Bay, Ontario
For several years, Pam Kosola has been helping people through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, provided by the Lakehead Social Planning Council. She also volunteers at the local Shelter House, where she prepares meals and helps those less fortunate.
Jennifer Kushnir
Thunder Bay, Ontario
For four years, Jennifer Kushnir has been running the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at the Seven Generations Education Institute. Her efforts help Aboriginal peoples around Thunder Bay thrive as individuals, as well as within a larger culture and community.
Kayla Levesque
Sudbury, Ontario
Kayla Levesque has been mobilizing people of varying ages and backgrounds in Sudbury for more than six years, successfully recruiting, training and organizing volunteers for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in Sudbury.
Rajoo Makhi
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Rajoo Makhi is building a more responsible citizenry throughout the Thunder Bay area by helping people with their taxes and providing assistance at homeless shelters. Those he helps are faced with a range of challenges, from financial limitations and physical disabilities to language barriers.
Glen Sharpe
Tilden Lake, Ontario
Glen Sharpe, an avid supporter of the Aboriginal community with roots among the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, has devoted his life to teaching others, mentoring Aboriginal youth and passing on his wisdom to the next generation in his community.
Gerrie Vanduyn
Thunder Bay, Ontario
For nearly 30 years, Gerrie Vanduyn has laboured to help those in need in the Thunder Bay area. She established the Christian Reform Church Volunteer Group at the Dew Drop Inn soup kitchen, where she remains a committed volunteer and the group's coordinator.
Daniel-Kwaku Voss
Thunder Bay, Ontario
During the four years he was in high school, Daniel-Kwaku Voss joined various councils to represent youth in his community. He also helped launch Youth Tbay and the Thunder Bay Youth Connections Coalition, which provides safe and positive environments for local youth.
Brian Vroomen
Keewatin, Ontario
Brian Vroomen has been helping families and individuals thrive, having served as president of both the Patricia Centre for Children and Youth and Integrated Services Northwest over the past 10 years. He also continues his efforts through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
Chantal Walterson
Geraldton, Ontario
For over 15 years, Chantal Walterson has helped low income families and people affected by poverty through her work at the Greenstone Harvest Centre, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, and the Royal Canadian Legion.
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Josephine Laframboise, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-9324, 613-668-1929 (cell), [email protected]
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