Media

REMINDER—Governor General marks US presidential inauguration

January 19, 2009

OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, is marking the United States presidential inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama with a statement and a Youth Dialogue at Rideau Hall. This event of historical significance will set the tone for a discussion with 125 youth about participating in building a better world. This Governor General’s Youth Dialogue will take place in the Ballroom on January 20, 2009. A detailed schedule is provided below.

11:20 a.m.—Governor General’s arrival and opening remarks
The Governor General will make a statement about the day’s historic event and the discussion that will follow it.

11:30 a.m.—Viewing of the United States presidential inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony will be viewed by participants in an effort to set the tone for the discussion.

12:30 p.m.—Introduction of panellists by discussion moderator
The moderator will introduce the panellists and will launch a short panel discussion. The panellists are: Luke Nicholas (Connest Consulting Solutions), Robins Paul (Maison des jeunes de Côte-des-neiges), Ilona Dougherty (Apathy is Boring) and Joanne St. Lewis (University of Ottawa).

12:45 p.m.—Youth Dialogue
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the historical significance of the election of the first African American President of the United States, and to express themselves on the theme “Youth and the Power of Hope.”

2:30 p.m.—Closing Remarks
The Governor General will offer closing remarks.

2:40 p.m.—Closing performances
Emcee E and Nomadic Massive will perform. DJ Memetic will also participate.

Members of the public can participate in online forums and react to blogs at www.citizenvoices.gg.ca.

The Governor General has hosted several Youth Dialogues across Canada and around the world. They provide youth with a national voice to debate current affairs. During each dialogue, hundreds of people participate in a discussion with the Governor General. During her first youth dialogue, the Governor General spoke with close to 300 university students, senators, federal ministers and community leaders in the first-ever student forum on the abolition of slavery and anti-racism held by a Canadian governor general. Her Excellency always shares the ideas and perspectives presented during the dialogues with decision makers (http://www.gg.ca/gg/youth/dialogue/index_e.asp).  

‑30‑

Media information
Isabelle Serrurier  
Rideau Hall Press Office  
613-998-7280 
www.gg.ca   
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca