OTTAWA, Feb. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will be in Vancouver between Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4, 2016 for an official visit. While in Vancouver, the Governor General will recognize remarkable Canadians with awards and honours. In addition, Their Excellencies will participate in a number of cultural, innovation-themed, and community-building events.
"Sharon and I are looking forward to seeing the great work being done in Vancouver with regards to Aboriginal art and youth programs, in the high-tech sector and by community foundations," said the Governor General. "We are also delighted to be recognizing many great Canadians through the presentation of honours."
Timings indicated are in local time zone (Pacific Standard Time–UTC/GMT -8 hours).
Here is the detailed itinerary:
Thursday, March 3
8:50 a.m.
Visit to Opening Doors Exhibition
Their Excellencies will visit Opening Doors, an Aboriginal door carving exhibition that showcases an innovative use of technology to support Aboriginal artists. They will then meet with the young Aboriginal artists who have successfully completed the four-week intensive door carving program.
The Opening Doors project is a unique educational carving project that embraces the culture and storytelling nature of British Colombia coastal Aboriginal art and, at the same time, explores new technology and promotes Aboriginal communities and their unique artistic talents. For more information, visit www.aboriginal.ecuad.ca/opening-doors-exhibition/
Emily Carr University of Art + Design, 1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Sue Lavitt, Media Relations + Communications Manager, 604- 844-3078, [email protected]
10 a.m.
Drug Awareness Presentation for Youth
Their Excellencies will attend a drug awareness presentation given to at-risk youth at the Waverly Annex Learning Hub, an alternative education program site. Following the presentation, they will engage with students on the importance of making good decisions for a healthy, drug-free life.
These sessions are offered by Odd Squad Productions, a charitable organization comprised of active and retired police officers and other volunteers. It is a leader in the field of drug and gang education for youth. For more information, visit www.oddsquad.com
Waverly Annex Learning Hub, 2530 East 43rd Avenue, Vancouver
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
1 p.m.
Visit to the Innovation Centre at TELUS Garden and Discussion on Innovation
His Excellency will tour the Innovation Centre on the 5th floor of the TELUS Garden, where he will learn about and interact with some of the new and innovative technology that is being developed in the health care field. After his tour, he will then participate in a discussion on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship with a group of British Columbia's emerging leaders in the high-tech sector.
The TELUS Innovation Centre in Vancouver is a state-of-the-art living lab that enables the ideation, trialing and proof of concept of emerging new technologies and services.. This event is being hosted by DigiBC—an industry association that represents the province's digital industries—in conjunction with Telus and the BC Technology Industry Association.
Telus Garden, 510 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
OPEN TO MEDIA—Tour of the Innovation Centre
MEDIA CONTACT: Liz Sauvé, 604-719-6715, [email protected]
1:30 p.m.
Visit to Vancouver's Science World Living Lab by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will tour the Living Lab, a lab dedicated to the study of children's cognitive development. She will then participate in a short experiment and discover how researchers are studying the thoughts and cognitive processes in children. Prior to this, she will have toured some of the exhibits at Science World.
The Living Lab allows children—from infancy through to adolescence—to participate in research projects that explore their social reasoning. The lab was created in partnership with Science World and the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
For more information, visit www.scienceworld.ca/lab
TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Jason Bosher, Communications Coordinator, 604-443-7470, [email protected]
4 p.m.
Keynote Address to Members of the Sea to Sky Community Foundations
Their Excellencies will attend an event being hosted by the Sea to Sky Community Foundations at the Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts. During the event, His Excellency will deliver a keynote address on the important work of community foundations in ensuring members of the community thrive and succeed. Following his address, the Governor General will join a panel discussion with foundation members on how citizens can help create a smart and caring country.
The Sea to Sky Community Foundations serve north Vancouver and consist of the Bowen Island, Whistler, North Shore, Squamish, Sunshine Coast and West Vancouver community foundations.
For more information, visit www.kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/2275.
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Ania Mafi, 604-921-3421 (office) or 604-360-0906 (cell), [email protected]
Friday, March 4
9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Presentation of Honours
His Excellency will present honours to more than 150 remarkable Canadians to recognize excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service. The two ceremonies will be streamed live online at www.gg.ca/live starting at 9:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. (PST).
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.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, University of British Columbia, 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166 (office) or 613-852-3248 (cell), [email protected]
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Emily Keogh, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569 (office), 613-218-2299 (cell), [email protected]
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