Media Advisory - Their Excellencies to Visit Calgary and Vancouver

OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - With the Royal Tour in full swing, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will take this opportunity to visit Calgary and Vancouver from September 28 to September, 30, 2016. These events will focus on innovation and learning, mental health issues, and the challenges faced by refugees arriving in Canada. In Calgary, the Governor General will take part in a book event with his recently published novel: The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation.

Below is Their Excellencies' detailed itinerary. Times indicated in this schedule are in local time: Calgary—mountain standard time (UTC/GMT -7 hours) and Vancouver—Pacific standard time (UTC/GMT -8 hours). 

Calgary, Alberta
Wednesday, September 28

7 p.m.
On-Stage Conversation and Book-Signing with the Governor General
As part of Calgary's Wordfest, the Governor General will take part in an on-stage conversation with CBC Radio's David Gray about his recently published book The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation. Following the presentation, His Excellency will engage in a question period and participate in a book-signing session. The event will be open and free to the public at the Calgary Public Library.

About the The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation
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. He hopes that the book will inspire readers of all ages to think about Canada, what they want for their country and how to shape its future as a smart and caring nation.
Calgary Public Library, Central Library, John Dutton Theatre, 616 Macleod Trail SE
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Shelley Youngblut, General Director, Wordfest, 403-612-0134, [email protected]
Shona Cook, Publicity Manager for The Idea of Canada, Penguin Random House Canada, 416-433-9699, [email protected]

Thursday, September 29

10:30 a.m.
Visit to the University of Calgary's Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning and the Taylor Family Digital Library
Their Excellencies will visit the Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning and the Taylor Family Digital Library to learn about the University of Calgary's innovative teaching and learning methods.

The Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning is dedicated to better understanding and improving student learning. For more information, visit www.ucalgary.ca/taylorinstitute/. The Taylor Family Digital Library encourages experiential learning, exploration and innovative ways of creating new knowledge. For more information, visit www.tfdl.ucalgary.ca.
Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning, 434 Collegiate Boulevard NW
PHOTO OP – Upon arrival at the Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning
MEDIACONTACTS: Scott Donaldson, 403-220-8993, [email protected]

2:15 p.m.
Visit to Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston 
Mrs. Johnston will visit the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, which is the largest integrated, community-based health care centre in Canada.  As part of her tour, Her Excellency will visit the Elbow River Healing Lodge where she will meet with staff and patients to learn about how this facility offers a range of primary services to First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit people and their families. For more information, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Vancouver, British Columbia
Friday, September 30

11 a.m.
Round-table Discussion on Refugees and Immigration
Their Excellencies will visit MOSAIC and participate in a round-table discussion with refugee families and community leaders. The dialogue will provide an opportunity for Their Excellencies to better understand Canada's role in welcoming immigrants and refugees. A reception will follow, where Their Excellencies will meet with people who have benefited from MOSAIC's services. 

Celebrating its 40^th anniversary, MOSAIC offers a wide range of services to thousands of immigrants and refugees every year. Through its programs, MOSAIC empowers newcomers to fully participate in Canadian society. For more information, visit www.mosaicbc.org.
1720 Grant Street,2^nd floor, Vancouver
OPEN TO MEDIA – Arrival at MOSAIC, beginning of round table and reception
MEDIA CONTACTS:Ninu Kang, 604-725-0184, [email protected]

These events will take place at the same time as the Royal Tour but will not include the participation of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice and will be updated on www.gg.ca.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Annabelle Cloutier, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-301-2764 (cell), [email protected]