The Walrus Talks National Tour to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Order of Canada in 2017

OTTAWA, Aug. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is pleased to announce that the Order of Canada will partner with the Walrus Foundation, a charitable, non-profit organization, to present The Walrus Talks Conversations About Canada: We Desire a Better Country—a national tour featuring 50 members of the Order and 50 youth leaders. One of Canada 150's Signature Initiatives, the Walrus Talks will mark the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and the 50^th anniversary of the creation of the Order of Canada in 2017.

"The 150-day countdown to 2017 has started!" said His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. "Next year will also mark the 50^th anniversary of the Order of Canada, one of our country's highest honours. Its motto, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country), is the source of inspiration for this one-of-a-kind speakers' series. The diverse and compelling examples of excellence that it will showcase will inspire Canadians and invite them to imagine the Canada of tomorrow."

Featuring 13 Walrus Talks in 13 provinces and territories in 13 weeks, the national tour will bring vital conversations on the future of our country to communities and audiences across Canada. The events, a key part of Canada's sesquicentennial celebrations, will allow members of the Order of Canada to share expertise with and learn from the next generation of young leaders. The tour will run from March 1 to June 1, 2017. For more information about the Walrus Talks and tour dates, visit www.thewalrus.ca/canada150.

About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Throughout 2017, the Order's 50^th anniversary will be celebrated through a host of special initiatives and partnerships. Further announcements will be made as the excitement builds towards this landmark occasion. For more information about the Order of Canada and the Canadian Honours System, visit www.gg.ca/honours.

 

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information about the Order of Canada: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, [email protected]; Media information about the Walrus Talks: Amirah El-Safty, Walrus Foundation, 416-971-5004, ext. 253, [email protected]