OTTAWA, Sept. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will board the Canada C3 ship and visit Yellowknife from September 3 to 6, 2017.
"Sharon and I are excited to be joining the Canada C3 ship for three days during the 11th leg of its 150-day journey from Toronto to Victoria through the Northwest Passage. We look forward to meeting the participants of this exciting initiative and exchanging ideas with them about Canada's past and future," said the Governor General. "As part of this journey, we will make stops in Kugluktuk, Bernard Harbour, Pierce Point and Paulatuk."
Following their expedition on the Canada C3, Their Excellencies will visit Yellowknife where they will meet with the Mayor of Yellowknife, present Canadian honours and participate in a community gathering.
Below is Their Excellencies' detailed itinerary:
Kugluktuk, Nunavut
Sunday, September 3
Upon arrival in Kugluktuk, the most western community in Nunavut located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Their Excellencies will be greeted by the Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut, as well as community members and the participants of Canada C3. Here, Their Excellencies and the C3 participants will have the option of either taking part in a community hike up the Coppermine River to a set of waterfalls or picking wild berries.
In the evening, Their Excellencies will board the Canada C3 ship where they will meet the members of the crew and get a tour of the ship, including the bridge. Their Excellencies will also participate in C3 Hour, a daily informal discussion on the day's activities.
Bernard Harbour, Nunavut
Monday, September 4
In the morning, the Canada C3 ship will arrive in Bernard Harbour, a bay on the Nunavut mainland. Here, Their Excellencies, along with the Canada C3 participants, will visit an old Hudson's Bay Company trading post, an old RCMP post and the remnants of the Canadian Artic Expedition headquarters.
They will also hike to the Distant Early Warning Line, a system of radar stations in Arctic Canada set up during the Cold War to detect incoming Soviet bombers and provide early warning of sea and land invasions.
Pierce Point, Nunavut
Tuesday, September 5
In the morning, Their Excellencies and the C3 participants will arrive in and explore Pierce Point, which was once a camping site for scientists during the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-1918. In 1922, a trading post was established, which the Hudson's Bay Company took over in 1927. Today, there is one building still standing.
In the afternoon the ship will cruise down Darnley Bay, a newly appointed marine protected area. During this section of the journey, the Canada C3 participants will discuss the importance of protecting Canada's marine life.
Paulatuk, Northwest Territories
Wednesday, September 6
In the morning, Their Excellencies and the C3 participants will visit Paulatuk, a community of 300 people. They will be greeted by His Worship Ray Ruben, Mayor of Paulatuk, as well as community members, elders, and local hunters and trappers. They will also have an opportunity to meet with the Keepers of Darnley Bay to learn about the traditions of living off the land.
Later in the morning, Their Excellencies will bid farewell to the friends they have made on the Canada C3 ship.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Wednesday, September 6
3:30 p.m.
Meeting with Mayor of Yellowknife
Their Excellencies will meet with His Worship Mark Heyck, Mayor of Yellowknife.
Mayor's Office, City Hall, 4807-52 St, Yellowknife
PHOTO OP—At the beginning of the meeting
MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Alexandra, 867-920-5693, [email protected]
3:45 p.m.
Presentation of Honours
The Governor General will present a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers to three exceptional regional recipients.
The Governor General presents honours on behalf of all Canadians in communities across the country to help share inspiring stories, celebrate tremendous contributions to our society and connect with Canadians. From community volunteers to astronauts, from actors to members of the military, from scholars to everyday citizens, hundreds of Canadians earn our applause and gratitude. For more information about honours or to nominate someone who inspires you, visit www.gg.ca/honours.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 4807-52 St, Yellowknife
OPEN TO MEDIA
5 p.m.
Community Reception
Their Excellencies will attend a public reception hosted by the Government of the Northwest Territories. During this event, Their Excellencies will have an opportunity to see cultural performances and to meet with locals and community leaders. The Governor General will deliver brief remarks during the gathering.
Great Hall, Legislative Assembly, City Hall, 4910 52 Street, Yellowknife
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Krystal Pidborochynski, 867-767-9140 ext. 11095, [email protected]
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HONOURS AND CITATIONS
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATION
Sheena Tremblay
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Sheena Tremblay is the driving force behind Walk to Tuk, an annual get-fit challenge meant to encourage her fellow northerners to get out and be active. Teams track their physical activity over two months to collectively accumulate 1 658 kilometers, symbolizing the length of the Mackenzie River from Fort Providence to Tuktoyaktuk. Every year, more than 3 500 participants brave frigid winter conditions to demonstrate their commitment to leading an active lifestyle.
About the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)
The Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. Their acts are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community. The best candidates are those who inspire others through their motivation to find solutions to specific and pressing needs or provide an important service to their community or country. For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit www.merit.gg.ca.
SOVEREIGN'S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Mickey Brown
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Since 2000, Mickey Brown has devoted herself to making Yellowknife a better place to live, notably as the longest-serving volunteer with the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation. An incomparable fundraiser and leader, she has given generously of her time and support to seniors and patients.
Janet Diveky
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Janet Diveky has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in the Northwest Territories for more than 20 years. She has also been the driving force behind many fundraising initiatives including the Yellowknife Association for Community Living's major annual fundraiser, the Gumboot Rally.
David Kellett
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Dave Kellett has been an active leader of various organizations and major events in Yellowknife. In addition to his work with the Mining Heritage Society and the Great Slave Sailing Club, he has been the driving force behind the Old Town Ramble and Ride festival since its inception in 2006.
About the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers
The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of individuals from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the Medal pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers. For more information or to nominate a deserving volunteer, visit caring.gg.ca.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Josephine Laframboise, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-9324, 613-668-1929 (cell), [email protected]
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