April 10, 2018
Governor General to Undertake Official Visit to Nunavut
OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will visit Iqaluit as part of her first official visit to Nunavut on April 12 and 13, 2018.
Throughout the two-day visit, Her Excellency will have the opportunity to meet with territorial and local officials, including the Commissioner and the Premier of Nunavut, as well as the Mayor of Iqaluit. She will celebrate Inuit culture and tradition by taking part in the opening ceremonies of the Toonik Tyme Festival. The Governor General will also address high school students, meet with researchers and take part in discussions with different stakeholders to learn about the reality of life in Canada’s North and how collaboration helps to create innovative initiatives for the well-being of Nunavummiut.
Below is Her Excellency’s detailed itinerary.
Thursday, April 12
10:15 a.m.
Arrival in Iqaluit
The Governor General will be officially welcomed by the Honourable Nellie Kusugak, Commissioner of Nunavut, and the Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut.
Iqaluit Airport
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
10:20 a.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony
Her Excellency will receive military honours from a quarter guard of Junior Canadian Rangers and a quarter guard of Royal Canadian Air Cadets and RCMP officers.
Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Hall
OPEN TO MEDIA
10:30 a.m.
Meeting with the Commissioner of Nunavut
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Nellie Kusugak, Commissioner of Nunavut.
Commissioner’s Residence
OFFICAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
11:15 a.m.
Meeting with the Premier of Nunavut
The Governor General will meet with the Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
PHOTO OP—Upon the arrival of Her Excellency and during the signing of the guest books
11:50 a.m.
Meeting with the President of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Her Excellency will meet with Ms. Aluki Kotierk, President of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) ensures that the promises made in the Nunavut Agreement are honoured by the federal and territorial governments. NTI also coordinates and manages Inuit responsibilities under the agreement. For more information, visit www.tunngavik.com.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
1:10 p.m.
Presentation to High School Students
The Governor General will address the students of Inuksuk High School on the importance of following your dreams. Following her presentation, she will take part in a Q & A session with the students.
Inuksuk High School is the high school of Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. It offers Grades 9 through 12 (ages 14-18) to a student population of about 450. The focus of the school is on teaching Inuit language and culture.
Inuksuk High School
OPEN TO MEDIA
2:15 p.m.
Meeting with the Mayor of Iqaluit
Her Excellency will meet with Her Worship Madeleine Redfern, Mayor of Iqaluit. Following their meeting, the Mayor will give the Governor General a tour of the city.
Aquatic Centre
PHOTO OP – Upon arrival to the Aquatic Centre
7 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies of the Toonik Tyme Festival
The Governor General will celebrate spring and Inuit culture and tradition by taking part in the opening ceremonies of the Toonik Tyme Festival. On this occasion, she will be inducted as an honorary Toonik and will deliver brief remarks.
Each year, the Toonik Tyme Society, local organizations and businesses, and over 100 volunteers work together to provide Iqalummiut and visitors with a cultural festival that celebrates the arrival of spring with a number of traditional activities and recreational games that reflect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit traditional knowledge). This year, Toonik Tyme will be held from
April 12 to 22. For more information, visit www.tooniktyme.ca.
Curling Rink
OPEN TO MEDIA
Friday, April 13
9 a.m.
Visit to the Nunavut Research Institute (NRI)
Her Excellency will meet with researchers and students of Nunavut Arctic College’s Environmental Technology Program, which is marking its 30th anniversary this year. The Governor General will learn more about their numerous research partnerships and educational programming on issues such as Trichinella parasites, lightning detection, photovoltaic array, water and microbial quality monitoring, and resources and sustainable development in the Arctic.
NRI is responsible for licensing research in the health, natural and social science disciplines. It acts as a clearinghouse for information on research in Nunavut and its staff provide mentorship, guidance and support to scientists working throughout the territory. NRI ensures that Nunavummiut are consulted and engaged in research, and it helps to negotiate research partnerships that address the needs and concerns of Nunavummiut. For more information, visit www.nri.nu.ca.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
1 p.m.
Driving Change in Nunavut – A Team Effort
The Governor General will take part in a discussion with key Nunavut stakeholders on various issues that have an impact on the territory and Nunavummiut. Topics will include arctic research, environment, housing, food security, preservation of Inuit traditions and culture, health and employment.
Natsiq Boardroom, Legislative Assembly
PHOTO OP – Upon the arrival of Her Excellency only
-30-
Media information:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-990-2997
613-302-0249 (cell)
julie.rocheleau@gg.ca
Wende Halonen
Office of the Commissioner
867-222-0104
WHalonen@gov.nu.ca
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