Governor General to Undertake Visit to the United States of America

OTTAWA, May 17, 2016 /CNW/ - At the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada,
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will conduct a working visit to the United States of America, from May 24 to 31, 2016.

"It is with great enthusiasm that I undertake a working visit to Georgia, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado—key states in the important and multi-faceted relationship between Canada and the United States," His Excellency said. "During this visit, innovation, education, trade and philanthropy will be the focal points of my discussions with our American partners. As commander-in-chief of Canada, I'm also honoured to be attending Memorial Day celebrations to recognize the Canada-United States defence partnership."

Timings indicated below are in Eastern Daylight Time for Atlanta and Miami; Central Daylight Time for Dallas and Oklahoma City; and Mountain Daylight Time for Colorado Springs and Denver.

VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, May 24

6 p.m.
Meeting with the Governor of Georgia
On the occasion of his visit, His Excellency will have the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Nathan Deal, Governor of Georgia, to discuss the Canada-Georgia relationship and their shared priority for education.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

7 p.m.
Meeting with Atlanta Business, Political and Academic Leaders
His Excellency will meet with leaders and decision makers in the fields of business, politics and academia to discuss the important relationship between Canada and the State of Georgia. The event is hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, May 25

10:45 a.m.
Visit to TechSquare Labs
His Excellency will visit the facility and meet with students from the Code-Start program. He will also learn about three successful start-ups: Luma, Stackfolio and Vericlean, each of which will present a 90-second pitch on their technology and success.

TechSquare Labs is an incubator and seed fund, with 25 000 square feet of co-working and corporate innovation space. It combines experience in patents, research and team building with a network that spans from freshman coders to Fortune 500 CEOs. For more information, visit http://techsquare.co.
OPEN TO MEDIA

12 p.m.
Keynote Address to the World Affairs Council of Atlanta (WACA)
At approximately 12:30 p.m., His Excellency will deliver a speech on greater collaboration between Canada and Georgia on innovation, business, research and learning to leaders from these sectors, which will be followed by a question period with the audience. The event is presented by WACA, in partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Technology Association of Georgia.
Ballroom, Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, 800 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta
OPEN TO MEDIA – Speeches and question period only

3 p.m.
Visit to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
His Excellency will visit the CDC to learn more about its main goal, which is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury and disability. The Governor General will participate in a video conference between CDC officials, including Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of CDC, and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) officials, including Dr. Siddika Mithani, President of PHAC, to discuss innovative ways to communicate information on disease crisis and prevention to the world. The Governor General will conclude his visit with a tour of CDC's Emergency Operations Center. During the Ebola outbreaks, PHAC worked closely with the CDC to inform Canadians on research and medical prevention measures that required implementation.

The CDC works to save lives from infectious diseases, harmful environmental hazards, injuries, and emergencies by providing emergency responses and expertise, strengthening public health infrastructures, developing and deploying vaccines, and strengthening disease detection globally. Its scientists collect and analyze health data, determining how health events affect specific populations. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

4:35 p.m.
Ceremonial Wreath-Laying at the Martin Luther Jr. Memorial
Upon arrival, the Governor General will meet with Mr. Andrew Young—former congressman and activist for the civil rights movement who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, they will visit the Martin Luther Jr. Memorial, where His Excellency will have the honour of being the first Canadian dignitary to lay a wreath at the Memorial to show Canada's solidarity towards the civil rights movement.

Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamt that all inhabitants of the United States would be judged by their personal qualities and not by the colour of their skin.  On August 28, 1963, he organized a march to Washington, D.C., to show the importance of solving the nation's racial problems. About     250 000 people gathered and listened to his speech. In 1964, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign against racism. Four years later, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
Martin Luther King Memorial, Atlanta
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY – Meeting between Governor General and Mr. Young
OPEN TO MEDIA – Wreath-laying ceremony
MEDIA STATEMENT – Following the ceremony, the Governor General and Mr. Young will deliver statements to media.

Miami, Florida
Thursday, May 26

8:15 a.m.
Keynote Address at Breakfast Event with Business Leaders
The Governor General will be the keynote speaker at the Breakfast Event with Business Leaders hosted by the Beacon Council, in partnership with eMerge Americas and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Upon arrival, he will be greeted by His Worship Carlos A. Gimenez, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, and Mr. Larry Williams, President and CEO of the Beacon Council. At approximately 8:55 a.m., His Excellency will deliver a keynote address to senior business leaders on the importance of the Canada-Florida relationship and how Canada is an ideal innovation partner for Florida. The event will conclude with a question period with the audience.

The Beacon Council is Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership. Since 1985, it has created more than 65 000 direct jobs and added more than $4 billion in new capital investments. For more information, visit www.beaconcouncil.com.  

eMerge Americas is the platform for the advancement of technology, a forum for idea exchange, and a launch pad for innovation connecting Latin America, North America and Europe. For more information, visit http://emergeamericas.org.

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1907, is the voice of business in South Florida, representing more than 400 000 employees of member companies. For more information, visit www.miamichamber.com.
The Beacon Council, 80 S.W. 8^th Street, #2400, Miami
OPEN TO MEDIA

10:20 a.m.
Visit to Miami Dade College's Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) and Panel Discussion on Innovation and International Education
The Governor General, joined by Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, President of Miami Dade College, and Mr. Mauricio Ferrazza, President and Department Chairperson of MAGIC, will conduct a walking tour of MAGIC—Miami Dade College's state-of-the-art animation and game design studio, which prepares students for the marketplace. The Governor General will have the opportunity to see demonstrations from the sound and colour editing booth, the motion capture studio and the drawing labs.

Following his visit, His Excellency will proceed to MAGIC's Screening Theater Room to deliver opening remarks at a panel discussion on the role of innovation in international education for the modern workplace, with representatives from companies housed at Venture Hive (an incubator/accelerator supporting emerging technology entrepreneurs) and from Rokk3r Labs and Launch Code. Miami Dade College recently signed a memorandum of understanding on accreditation and international study opportunities with Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver.

MAGIC is the only learning facility in Florida that functions just like a professional animation and game design studio. Unveiled in 2015 by Miami Dade College and built in partnership with Pixar, the goals of this two-year program include preparing students for immediate employment at a studio or design house, giving them a chance at having their script produced as a class project, and familiarizing themselves with the pace and demands of a real workplace. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/magic. 
315 N. E. 2^nd Avenue, Building 8, MAGIC's Theater/Screening Room, Miami
OPEN TO MEDIA

12:40 p.m.
Round-Table Discussion with University Leaders
The Governor General and leaders from Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, University of Miami, Barry University, Nova Southeastern University and Florida International University will discuss innovation in higher learning education and cross border research collaboration, during a working lunch hosted by Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, President of Miami Dade College.

With more than 165 000 students and eight campuses, Miami Dade College is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States. It provides high-quality teaching and learning experiences that are accessible and affordable. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ONLY

2:40 p.m.
Round-Table Discussion on Innovative Philanthropy
His Excellency will meet with representatives from the philanthropy and community leaders in South Florida to discuss how we can bring philanthropy into the 21^st century through transformative and innovative practices. This meeting, hosted by the Canadian Consulate General in Miami, will be held at the Knight Foundation.

The Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The Foundation works in 26 communities and has invested more than $841 million in community initiatives since its creation in 1950. For more information, visit www.knightfoundation.org.  
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

4 p.m.
Friends of Canada Reception
On the occasion of his visit to Miami, His Excellency will offer remarks and thank Canadians and Americans whom work together to further promote and enhance the Canada-Florida relationship. The event is hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Miami.
Sevilla Room, 1^st Floor, InterContinental Hotel, Miami
OPEN TO MEDIA    

Dallas, Texas
Friday, May 27

8 a.m.
Round-Table Discussion on North American Innovation and Competitiveness
The Governor General will meet with senior executives from major corporations headquartered in Dallas and participate in a round-table discussion on the global economic and innovation scene from the Texas perspective.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Plano, Texas
Friday, May 27

10 a.m.
Visit to AT&T Foundry™ Innovation Center
The Governor General will visit both AT&T foundries—including the AT&T Foundry for the Internet of Things and the AT&T Foundry for Big Data. He will also visit the Partner Solution Floor.

The AT&T Foundry™ innovation centres are fast-paced and collaborative environments. AT&T and technology providers work in the AT&T Foundry™ to deliver applications and services to customers. Since its launch in 2011, it has started more than 200 projects and deployed dozens of new products and services. Projects focus on areas of significant business or technology interest and typically involve external startups, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics and inventors. For more information, visit http://about.att.com/innovation/foundry.
2900 West Plano Parkway, Plano
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Dallas, Texas
Friday, May 27

12 p.m.
Keynote Address to the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth (WACDFW)
The Governor General will be the keynote speaker at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth (WACDFW). At approximately 12:20 p.m., he will talk about the Canada-Texas relationship and the opportunities for further collaboration in learning, innovation and trade. Following his address, His Excellency will participate in a question period with Mr. James N. Falk, President and CEO of WACDFW, and the audience.

Founded in 1951, WACDFW is an organization that brings international awareness and cross-cultural understanding to the North Texas community and presents distinguished international figures year-round for in-depth interpretations of global events. It serves as a gateway to the world for the region, offering a range of programs and events for the public and its 4 000 members. For more information, visit www.dfwworld.org.
Main Floor Room, 400 Crescent Court, Rosewood Crescent Court Hotel, Dallas
OPEN TO MEDIA – Speeches only

2:40 p.m.
Discussion on Philanthropy and Education at the Communities Foundation of Texas
The Governor General will discuss the importance of philanthropy and education with Mr. Brent E. Christopher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Communities Foundation of Texas, and other philanthropic leaders involved in major innovative projects in the State of Texas.

Communities Foundation of Texas works with families, companies and non-profits to strengthen its community through a variety of charitable funds and strategic grant-making initiatives. The Foundation professionally manages more than 900 charitable funds and has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants since its founding in 1953. For more information, visit www.cftexas.org.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Saturday, May 28

10:15 a.m.
Visit to Tinker Air Force Base          
On the occasion of Memorial Day weekend, the Governor General will visit Tinker Air Force Base. As commander-in-chief of Canada, he will be welcomed with honours before visiting an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft to see how the Canadian Armed Forces members from the 552^nd Air Control Wing Canadian Detachment work closely with U.S. military personnel to fulfill the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission and to support AWACS operations worldwide. He will also discuss Canada-U.S. security co-operation with Lieutenant Colonel Don Saunders, Commanding Officer of the 552^nd Air Control Wing Canadian Detachment. At 12 p.m., His Excellency will deliver remarks to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families during a luncheon.

Tinker Air Force Base is named in honour of Major General Clarence L. Tinker of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Canadians have served alongside U.S. allies at Tinker Air Force Base since 1979. Today, this partnership continues with the 552^nd Air Control Wing Canadian Detachment, where more than 40 members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, along with some members of the Canadian Army, are stationed at Tinker Air Force Base with their families. For more information, visit www.tinker.af.mil.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY 

1:15 p.m.
Round-Table Discussion on Innovation Hosted by Oklahoma Secretary of State and Native American Affairs
The Governor General will deliver opening and closing remarks at a round-table discussion on innovation, hosted and moderated by Mr. Chris Benge, Oklahoma Secretary of State and Native American Affairs. The discussion will gather Oklahoma State government, Tribal nation, industry, education and non-profit leaders to discuss three main themes: ways to harness innovation and entrepreneurship to promote economic growth and build vibrant communities; efforts to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and workforce development opportunities; and the role of international partnerships in advancing research and innovation.

Mr. Benge was appointed as Oklahoma's 33^rd Secretary of State by Governor Mary Fallin on November 8, 2013. In addition to his duties as Secretary of State, he serves on the Governor's cabinet and is also responsible for 20 executive entities.
Blue Room, 2^nd Floor, The State Capitol of Oklahoma, 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City
OPEN TO MEDIA

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Sunday, May 29

1:10 p.m.
Visit to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
On the eve of Memorial Day, the Governor General will visit the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, which serves as NORAD and U.S. Northern Command's Alternate Command Center and as a training site for crew qualification. As commander-in-chief of Canada, he will, through this visit, reinforce the importance of this binational Canadian and American command that provides aerospace warning and control, as well as maritime warning, for Canada and the U.S. It will also be an opportunity for the Governor General to pay tribute to Canadian and American women and men in service and those who died wearing the uniform.

NORAD, which is responsible for securing North American air space, has its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. There are 147 Canadian military personnel stationed at the NORAD headquarters, giving Colorado Springs the largest presence of Canadian military in the state. For more information, visit www.norad.mil.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

3:30 p.m.
Lunch with Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. Military Personnel
His Excellency will meet and address members of the Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. military personnel and their families during a luncheon.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Denver, Colorado
Monday, May 30

11 a.m.
Address at the 84^th Anniversary of Remembrance Dedicated to America's Veterans of All Wars
On Memorial Day, the Governor General will be the guest speaker at the 84^th Anniversary of Remembrance Dedicated to America's Veterans of All Wars, to be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery. As commander-in-chief of Canada, he will deliver remarks on the importance of Canada-U.S. military co-operation and will honour the Canadian and U.S. heroes who fought and died for their country. His Excellency will lay a wreath alongside the Honourable Mike Coffman, Colorado Congressman, and Colonel John Wagner, Commander of 460^th Space Wing, Buckley Air Force Base. Canada and the U.S. share a special defence partnership. During the Second World War, and before the U.S. entered the war, some 8 860 Americans joined the Royal Canadian Air Force—829 of whom were killed in action.

Fort Logan National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 122 000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. It was named after Union General John A. Logan, commander of U.S. Volunteer forces during the American Civil War. The Cemetery features a pathway lined with a number of memorials that honour American veterans from various organizations. There are 17 memorials—most commemorating soldiers of various 20^th-century wars. For more information, visit www.cem.va.gov.
Fort Logan National Cemetery, 440 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA STATEMENT – Following the ceremony, the Governor General will deliver a statement to media.

3:15 p.m.
Academic Round-Table Discussion
His Excellency will moderate a discussion between Canadian and U.S. university leaders on the opportunities in higher education, the best practices and examples of international education student exchange programs, curriculum exchanges, the Canadian and U.S. studies program, and the joint research and joint technology transfer.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

5:30 p.m.
Friends of Canada Reception
On the occasion of his visit to Denver, His Excellency will offer remarks and thank Canadians and Americans whom work together to further promote and enhance the Canada-Denver relationship. The event is hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Denver.
3^rd Floor, Four Seasons Hotel, Denver
OPEN TO MEDIA 

Denver, Colorado
Tuesday, May 31

9:15 a.m.
Opening of the Canada Pavilion at the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) Annual Conference and Expo
The Governor General will officially open the Canada Pavilion at NAFSA's Annual Conference and Expo. For the inauguration, he will deliver remarks and tour the Canadian university booths on display. The Canada Pavilion acts as a window on Canadian education and a meeting space for Canadian representatives from all provinces.

NAFSA's annual conference provides a multitude of educational offerings for international education professionals at all levels of experience and in every specialty. This year's theme is "Building Capacity for Global Learning." With more than 10 000 members, NAFSA is the world's largest non-profit association dedicated to international education. For more information, visit www.nafsa.org.
Colorado Convention Center, Denver
OPEN TO MEDIA

10:45 a.m.
Meeting with Governor of Colorado
His Excellency will meet with the Honourable John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado, to discuss Canada-Colorado relations and reinforce partnerships with Colorado's influencers and decision makers.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Members of the public can follow the Governor General's visit to the United States of America online at www.gg.ca, where speeches and photos will be posted, as well as on social media with the hashtag #GGSouthUS.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
To obtain the latest updates, please visit www.gg.ca. 

Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.

                                                                                

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell.), [email protected]