Governor General visits Nunavut and Nunavik
May 20, 2009
OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, accompanied by their daughter Marie-Éden, will travel to Canada's North. The visit, which will take place primarily in Nunavut and end in Nunavik, in Quebec's Arctic region, will run from May 25 to June 1, 2009.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of the government of Nunavut as the issue of sovereignty in the Arctic is becoming increasingly important. Finding a balance between the equitable development of resources and the preservation of the environment is the main focus. It is important that northern populations, particularly youth, who make up the vast majority, are able to be involved in developing their communities and contributing to national prosperity. It is in this spirit of sharing and solidarity that Their Excellencies will be meeting with women, men and youth in these regions, which make up 20 percent of Canada's land mass. They believe it is essential to strengthen the ties between Canada's northern and southern regions and to be enriched by a better understanding of the life, culture and realities of the Inuit people.
Their Excellencies will visit eight communities in three of Nunavut's regions: Rankin Inlet, Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Resolute, Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Pangnirtung and Iqaluit. Their visit will wrap up in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. During their stay, they will be meeting with territorial government and municipal representatives. In addition, they will hold several discussion forums with Inuit youth and elders to highlight their accomplishments and to discuss the challenges they face on a daily basis.
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A detailed itinerary of the visit will be published shortly.
Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
meletourneau@gg.ca
Marthe Blouin
Official Spokesperson to the Governor General of Canada
613-993-0397
mblouin@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
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