Media
A Day of Literature at Rideau Hall: Presentation of the Governor General's Literary Awards and Art Matters devoted to freedom of expressionDecember 11, 2006 OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present the 2006 Governor General’s Literary Awards in all categories at Rideau Hall on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. Media interested in covering this event are asked to arrive at the Princess Anne entrance no later than 5:30 p.m. The names of this year’s laureates in the English and French categories of fiction, non‑fiction, poetry, drama, children’s literature (text and illustration) and translation are available on the Web site of the Canada Council for the Arts at www.canadacouncil.ca . In concert with the presentation of the Literary Awards, Rideau Hall will host a debate as part of Art Matters. Created by His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, Art Matters, which offers a forum for reflection and dialogue, will precede the presentation ceremonies of the arts and culture awards. On December 13 at noon, 30 reputed guests—literary award laureates, writers, journalists, translators and poets—will debate the theme Literature and freedom of speech. The meeting will be moderated by writer Aline Apostolska, with the involvement of PEN Canada and PEN Quebec. The public is also invited to share in the debate by answering the following question on one of the blogs at www.citizenvoices.gg.ca: There are many kinds of prisons, and literature can knock down the walls, but how and to what extent? This year marks the 70th presentation of the Governor General’s Literary Awards, Canada’s oldest and most prestigious awards for English and French language Canadian literature. The Canada Council for the Arts funds, administers and promotes the awards. -30- Media information Donna Balkan |
