OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will visit Yellowknife, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk on her first official visit to the Northwest Territories from November 14 to 15, 2017.
In Yellowknife, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary as the capital of the Northwest Territories, Her Excellency will have an opportunity to meet with territorial and local officials including both the Commissioner and Premier of the Northwest Territories; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; the Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation; and the Mayor. Her Excellency will also have an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with local youth, professionals in the areas of energy, science and the environment and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
In Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, the Governor General will help inaugurate the highway that connects both communities, which will be a historical moment and a true testament of the things that can happen when communities and governments work together.
Below is Her Excellency's detailed itinerary. Times are indicated in local time: Northwest Territories–Mountain Standard Time (UTC/GMT -7 hours).
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Tuesday, November 14
10 a.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony
Upon arrival in Yellowknife, Her Excellency will be greeted by the Honourable Margaret Thom, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, and by Brigadier-General Mike Nixon and Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Beyerbach, both of Joint Task Force (North). The Governor General will be welcomed by a guard of honour.
Hangar of the 440 Squadron, Yellowknife
OPEN TO MEDIA ***Media should arrive no later than 9 a.m.***
MEDIA CONTACT: Krystal Pidborochynski, 867-767-9140 ext. 11095, [email protected]
Major Josée Bilodeau, 867-873-0700 ext. 6056, [email protected]
10:30 a.m.
Meeting with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Premier and Chief Sangris
Her Excellency will meet with the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; the Honourable Robert McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories; and Chief Edward Sangris of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
11:20 a.m.
Meeting with the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Margaret Thom, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
12:15 p.m.
Discussion with Youths
Her Excellency will meet with local youths to hear about their aspirations and to discuss some of the challenges they face.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
2 p.m.
Meeting with the Mayor of Yellowknife
Her Excellency will meet with His Worship Mark Heyck, Mayor of Yellowknife.
Mayor's Office, City Hall, 4807-52 Street, Yellowknife
PHOTO OP—At the beginning of the meeting
MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Alexandra, 867-920-5693, [email protected]
2:15 p.m.
Discussion on Sustainability in the North
Her Excellency will engage in a conversation on sustainability in the North with community members and professionals in the areas of energy, science and the environment.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
5:50 p.m.
Visit to Joint Task Force (North) Headquarters
As commander-in-chief, Her Excellency will visit Joint Task Force (North) Headquarters where she will receive an overview of operations from Brigadier-General Mike Nixon, Commander of Joint Task Force (North).
Joint Task Force (North) is responsible for Canadian Armed Forces operations in northern Canada, namely in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the waters of the Arctic Ocean (within Canada) and Hudson's Bay. For more information, visit www.forces.gc.ca.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
6:30 p.m.
Dinner Hosted by the Premier and the Commander of Joint Task Force (North)
The Governor General will attend a dinner hosted by the Premier and the Commander of Joint Task Force (North). Her Excellency, the Premier and the Commander will all deliver remarks on this occasion. This event will allow Her Excellency to meet with key leaders of the community.
Mess Hall, Joint Task Force (North), 4816-49 Street, Yellowknife
OPEN TO MEDIA—During the speeches only
MEDIA CONTACT: Krystal Pidborochynski, 867-767-9140 ext. 11095, [email protected]
Major Josée Bilodeau, 867-873-0700 ext. 6056, [email protected];
Inuvik, Northwest Territories
Wednesday, November 15
10:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies of the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway
Upon arrival in Inuvik, Her Excellency will be greeted by His Worship Jim McDonald, Mayor of Inuvik; Mr. Duane Smith, Chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation;
Mr. Jozef Carnogursky, President of the Nihtat Gwich'in Council; and Mr. Jerry Inglangasuk, Chair of the Inuvik Community Corporation.
Her Excellency will deliver remarks at the official inauguration ceremony of the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Federal, territorial and community leaders will also be present. Afterwards, guests and dignitaries will go outside to take part in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Later, Her Excellency and other dignitaries will drive to the community of Tuktoyaktuk along the newly constructed highway, which is a collaborative project that aims to improve the quality of services and reduce the cost of living in the region.
Midnight Sun Complex, 95 Gwich'in Road, Inuvik
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Charlotte Digness, 867-445-9885, [email protected]
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories
Wednesday, November 15
4:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies of the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway
Upon arrival in Tuktoyaktuk, Her Excellency will be will be greeted by His Worship Darrel Nasogaluak, Mayor of Tuktoyaktuk; Mr. Eddie Dillon, Chair of the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation; and Ms. Nellie Cournoyea, former premier of the Northwest Territories.
A ceremony will be held at the end of the day, at which Her Excellency and federal, territorial and community leaders will deliver remarks.
Donald Kuptana Sr. Arena
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Charlotte Digness, 867-445-9885, [email protected]
5:45 p.m.
Community Feast
Her Excellency will participate in a community feast where she will meet with community members and experience local foods and traditions.
Donald Kuptana Sr. Arena
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Charlotte Digness, 867-445-9885, [email protected]
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Josephine Laframboise, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-9324, 613-668-1929 (cell), [email protected]
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