Media Advisory - Governor General to Launch his Book The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation

OTTAWA, April 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is pleased to announce that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is launching his book, The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation, published by Signal/McClelland & Stewart. The event, presented by the Ottawa International Writers Festival, will take place at the National Arts Centre, in the Panorama Room, on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 7 p.m.

During an on-stage conversation hosted by Mark Sutcliffe, the Governor General will speak about his personally reflective book, written as a series of letters, which explores the values, sensibilities, traditions and achievements that together have made Canada unique in the world. The conversation will be followed by a question period and the evening will conclude with a book signing.

Governor General David Johnston has always used the letter-writing form to tackle his passions, challenges and goals. Since his earliest years as a student in university, His Excellency has written letters each day, starting with those to his family and then broadening to encompass an ever-widening circle of people, including many extraordinary Canadians who have deepened his understanding of our country.

In letters to characters and individuals living and dead, eminent and unknown, The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation touches on a wide range of topics: learning, law and justice, kindness and courage, innovation, Aboriginal education, bilingualism, mental health, hockey and more. Presented in three parts—"What Shapes Me", "What Consumes Me" and "What Inspires Me"—these letters are about Canada and are written to Clara Hughes, Chris Hadfield, the Aga Khan, former governors general, Canadian teachers, an Inuit boy His Excellency met in Repulse Bay, and many others.

Media wishing to attend the book launch are asked to confirm their attendance
in advance with Signal/McClelland & Stewart and the Ottawa International Writers Festival.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Annabelle Cloutier, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-8158, [email protected]; Shona Cook, Publicity Manager, Signal/McClelland & Stewart, 416-957-1576, [email protected]; Neil Wilson, Ottawa International Writers Festival, 613-299-4629, [email protected]