OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 21, 2012) - At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will conduct an official visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil, from April 22 to 28; a working visit to Barbados, on April 29 and 30; and a State visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on May 1 and 2, 2012.

For more information on the announcement of these visits, please see the news release at www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14476&lan=eng.

OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL

Sunday, April 22

Brasília, Brazil

7:30 p.m.

Arrival in Brasília

Upon their arrival in Brasília, Their Excellencies will be welcomed by government officials.

Brasília Military Airbase, Brasília, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Monday, April 23

Brasília, Brazil

12:30 p.m.

Meeting with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil

His Excellency and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with Ambassador Ruy Nogueira, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Itamaraty Palace, Brasília, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

1 p.m.

Official Luncheon Hosted by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil

In honour of Their Excellencies' visit to Brazil, Ambassador Ruy Nogueira, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, will host an official luncheon with senior government officials, members of civil society, academics, and representatives from the business and diplomatic communities. The Governor General and the Minister will deliver remarks on this occasion.

Itamaraty Palace, Brasília, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks only

2:40 p.m.

Presentation of the Mulheres Mil Project

His Excellency and the Canadian delegation will meet with Brazilian women participating in the Mulheres Mil (1000 Women) Project, which promotes the social and economic inclusion of disadvantaged women in the northeastern and northern regions of Brazil. The project helps them to improve their workforce potential and subsequently their lives, and the lives of their families and communities. During the meeting, the Governor General will hear about the significant and empowering impact the program has had on the women involved.

This event will be webcast at www.mec.gov.br.

The Mulheres Mil project was launched in 2005 through cross-section co-operation between the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and key Brazilian partners. The project was such a success that Her Excellency Dilma Vana Rousseff, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, recently approved it as a national program, with a goal of training 100 000 women by 2014.

Room of Acts, 9thFloor, Ministry of Education, Brasília, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

3:20 p.m.

Meeting with the Minister of Education of the Federative Republic of Brazil

His Excellency and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with Mr. Aloízio Mercadante Oliva, Minister of Education of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Minister's Office, 8th Floor, Ministry of Education, Brasília, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

Monday, April 23

Varjao, Brazil

3:30 p.m.

Visit to Tia Angelina Institution

Her Excellency will meet with the staff, volunteers and children of the Tia Angelina Institution. Supported in part by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, the Institution provides the local community with preschool care for 250 children through an agreement with the local government education authorities of the Federal District of Brasília. During her visit, Her Excellency will tour the facility, meet with local women who make soap and other handicrafts for sale, and take part in the opening of the Institution's new workshop.

Varjão, Brasília, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

Monday, April 23

Brasília, Brazil

4 p.m.

Meeting with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Federative Republic of Brazil

His Excellency and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with Mr. Marco Antônio Raupp, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Room 400, 4thFloor, Esplanada dos Ministérios, Brasília, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

5 p.m.

Meeting with the Brazilian Economic and Social Development Council, and Members of Academia and Civil Society

His Excellency and the Canadian delegation will meet with members of the Brazilian Economic and Social Development Council, as well as with members of academia and civil society to discuss partnerships in innovation, science and technology, and education. The Governor General will deliver remarks on this occasion.

The Brazilian Economic and Social Development Council is an influential group of advisors from the private sector, civil society and academia who hold policy dialogues in order to advise the president of Brazil on given issues related to infrastructure, energy, social monitoring, education and social security. It was established in 2003 in the first year of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's presidency as a mechanism to formalize the dialogue between government and Brazilian civil society.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

7:30 p.m.

Meeting with Luiza Rabello

Their Excellencies will meet with Luiza Rabello, a 17-year-old Brazilian exchange student who studied for six months at a high school in Barrie, Ontario.

Ms. Rabello became famous in January 2012, following a turn of events that led to social media stardom. Her father, Gerardo Rabello, appeared in an infomercial for a new condominium construction project. In the commercial, he mentioned that he is surrounded by his family, "except Luiza (his daughter) who's in Canada." That phrase, "except Luiza who's in Canada," went viral across social networks and throughout traditional media in Brazil.

Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada, Brasília, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

Tuesday, April 24

Brasília, Brazil

11 a.m.

Opening Address at the Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) Canada 3.0 Digital Media Forum

With an opening address delivered via video conference, His Excellency will help launch the CDMN Canada 3.0 Digital Media Forum, being held in Stratford, Ontario. The Governor General will recognize the importance of Brazilian participation in the forum and of the people-to-people links between Canada and Brazil, encouraging participants to use their talents, expertise and connections in support of Canada-Brazil science, technology and innovation collaboration.

The Governor General's speech will be webcast on www.canada30.ca.

CDMN Canada 3.0 Digital Media Forum will bring together over 2 000 delegates to celebrate Canadian leadership in digital media as evidenced by best practices, lessons learned and grassroots initiatives showcasing our success in business and technology, arts and heritage, and research and academia.

CLOSED TO MEDIA

3 p.m.

Meeting with the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil

The Governor General will meet with Her Excellency Dilma Vana Rousseff, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Planalto Palace, Brasília, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

Tuesday, April 24

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

6 p.m.

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Upon their arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Their Excellencies will be welcomed by government officials.

Rio de Janeiro Military Airbase, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Wednesday, April 25

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

9:30 a.m.

Visit to Corcovado

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation will visit Corcovado, the famous mountain in central Rio de Janeiro. The statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms is the image of Christian faith and the iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro and the entire country. In 2007, it was voted one of New Seven Wonders of the World.

Corvocado, Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

11 a.m.

Keynote Address at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro

The Governor General will address students, professors and representatives from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica and other local universities, as well as industry players, including Canadian companies and community members established in Rio de Janeiro. The Governor General's speech on the theme of "Canada in the 21st Century: A Trusted Partner for Brazil," will be webcast on www.puc-rio.br/puc-riodigital.

Recognized worldwide as one of the most important doctoral research centers in Brazil, the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is a private, non-profit Catholic university. The school was founded in 1940, with the objective of developing knowledge based on humanistic values. It now welcomes some 20 000 students.

Auditorio Del Casthilo, 2ndFloor, Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

12:30 p.m.

Business Round Table and Luncheon

The Governor General and the Canadian delegation will meet with several senior representatives of Canadian companies operating in Brazil and with representatives of Vale, Brazil's largest investor in Canada. Together, they will discuss their achievements, as well as plans for and challenges of doing business in Brazil and in Canada. His Excellency will deliver remarks on this occasion.

Arpoador Room, E Floor, Hotel Sofitel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks only

2:30 p.m.

Percussion Class with Quizomba Group

Her Excellency will meet with artists from Quizomba Group who will perform samba music demonstrations and discuss Brazilian rhythms and the different instruments that are played in a samba school and in bloco de carnaval (carnival street band.) Her Excellency will have the opportunity to play an instrument with students and learn some samba moves from a dance teacher.

Quizomba is one of Rio's most popular carnival street bands. It is renowned for playing a great mixture of rhythms, ranging from samba to Brazilian pop music. Quizomba was formed by a group of 16 musicians who spread their music throughout Brazil.

Rio Scenarium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

4:30 p.m.

Courtesy Call with the Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro

His Excellency and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with Mr. Sérgio Cabral Filho, Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Palacio de Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

Thursday, April 26

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

8 a.m.

Opening Address at the Conference of the Americas on International Education(CAIE)

The Governor General will lead a delegation of 30 university presidents of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and deliver the opening address on the "Diplomacy of Knowledge".

The CAIE aims to promote an inter-American exchange space for leaders of higher education institutions, namely to discuss priority issues concerning the internationalization of higher education, as well as its quality management. This event provides a dynamic forum where the different parties involved may explore the benefits of mutual collaboration. The conference serves as pivotal event for the continual development of academic collaboration in the hemisphere. This is the second edition of the conference; the first edition was held in Calgary, in 2010.

Louvre I-IV, Main Floor, Windsor Barra Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

MEDIA AVAILABILITY-The Governor General will answer questions from media from 10:05 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. in room Queluz II.

9:30 a.m.

Visit to Espaço Criança Esperença

Her Excellency will conduct a walking tour followed by a visit to the Espaço Criança Esperença, a UNESCO-supported charitable organization located in the communities of Cantagalo-Pavão-Pavãozinhom (three favelas located in Copacabana and Ipanema.) She will have the opportunity to meet with children and artists who use the centre as she tours the professional training centres, the library, the computer room, the indoor soccer facility and the outdoor swimming pool. The Criança Esperança Centre in Rio de Janeiro was founded in 2001.

Favela Cant-Pavão-Pavãozinho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

10:20 a.m.

AUCC Canada-Brazil University Presidents' Round Table

His Excellency, joined by the Canadian delegation, will open a round-table discussion with university presidents of AUCC and rectors from Brazilian universities who are attending the CAIE. The discussion will focus on Canada identifying Brazil as a priority technology partner; fostering opportunities for the exchange of expertise between institutions; and highlighting Canada as a world leader in education.

Queluz II-III, Lower Level, Windsor Barra Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

11:45 a.m.

Visit to CAIE Fair and Imagine Education in Canada Booth

His Excellency and the Canadian delegation will visit the Canada booth at the CAIE, where they will have the opportunity to meet with Brazilian students who have studied in Canada.

Versailles I and II, Ground Floor, Windsor Barra Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

Thursday, April 26

São Paulo, Brazil

2 p.m.

Arrival in São Paulo

Upon their arrival in São Paulo, Their Excellencies will be welcomed by government officials. Guarulhos Military Airport Base, São Paulo, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

3:30 p.m.

Keynote Address at the São Paulo Research Foundation

The Governor General will deliver a keynote address on "Brazil-Canada Partnerships and Enhancing the Innovation Ecosystem" to researchers, professors, administrators and students at the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). A panel discussion on the topic of "Brazil-Canada: Capabilities and Current Opportunities for Institutional Collaboration" and a question period with Canadian delegates and Brazilian counterparts will follow. The event will be webcast on www.psmi.com.br/securitymeeting/logar.php?login=1555&senha=06484&reuniao_id=444.

FAPESP is an independent public foundation with the mission to foster research and the scientific and technological development of the State of São Paulo.

Main Auditorium, FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

Friday, April 27

São Paulo, Brazil

9:10 a.m.

Canada-Brazil Innovation Nations Forum

His Excellency and the Canadian delegation will participate in this forum, which will bring together Canadians and Brazilians from the private sector, as well as researchers and university representatives, academics, and Brazilian government officials. The forum aims to enhance the profile of Canada as an innovation partner of choice in Brazil, and to stimulate science and technology collaboration between Canada and Brazil. The Governor General will deliver remarks on the importance of international collaboration in research and development, and the potential between Brazil and Canada as partners. The forum will be webcast on www.psmi.com.br/securitymeeting/logar.php?login=1554&senha=98186&reuniao_id=443.

Room Morumbi C,Hilton São Paulo Morumbi Hotel, São Paulo, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks and beginning of the discussion

10:15 a.m.

Visit to Lucy Montoro Centre for Rehabilitation

Joined by Dr. Linamara Rizzo Battistella, Secretary for the Rights of People with Disabilities of the State of São Paulo, Her Excellency will visit the rehabilitation centre, which aims to integrate people with disabilities into society by capitalizing on their potential and their unique capabilities. Through a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, the centre provides patients with access to state-of-the-art equipment and a variety of services such as hydrotherapy, laboratories, physical therapies and a small surgical centre, as part of their treatment. Her Excellency will tour the laboratories and the research and children's centre, and meet with patients who are receiving treatment.

Rua Jandiatuba, 580, Morumbi, São Paulo, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

11a.m.

Canadian Business Round Table

The Governor General and the Canadian delegation will participate in a round table with senior representatives of Canadian companies engaged in the Brazilian market in a variety of sectors. The discussion will focus on how they benefit from Brazil's strategic location for their global operations, and how Canada can better support Canadian companies doing business in Brazil.

His Excellency will deliver remarks on this occasion.

Room 5, 3rd Mezzanine,Hilton São Paulo Morumbi Hotel, São Paulo, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks and beginning of the discussion

1 p.m.

Luncheon with Business Round Table and Innovation Forum Participants

His Excellency and the Canadian delegation will attend a luncheon with business leaders, opinion makers, members of academia and politicians from the city of São Paulo and from across Brazil. Guests will also include AUCC presidents and Canadian companies active in Brazil to highlight the development of a broader Canada-Brazil innovation relationship. The Governor General will deliver remarks on this occasion.

Morumbi Ballroom, Hilton São Paulo Morumbi Hotel, São Paulo, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks only

5 p.m.

Courtesy Call with the Governor of the State of São Paulo

The Governor General and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with Mr. Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin Filho, Governor of the State of São Paulo.

Office of the Governor, 2ndFloor, Palácio dos Bandeirantes, São Paulo, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the meeting

6 p.m.

Education in Canada Networking Reception

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation will meet with scholarship recipients and their families, as well as partners of the Science Without Borders scholarship program, the Brazilian Alumni community, and education partners from academia and government. The event will highlight the importance of the Science Without Borders program, which was launched by the Government of Brazil in July 2011. The program aims to send over 100 000 Brazilian students to study internationally in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects by 2015. The Governor General will deliver remarks on this occasion.

Morumbi Ballroom, Hilton São Paulo Morumbi Hotel, São Paulo, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

Saturday, April 28

Campinas, Brazil

9 a.m.

Keynote Address at the University of Campinas and Visit to Synchrotron Light Laboratory Brazil

His Excellency will visit the University of Campinas. At 9:25 a.m., he will address Canadian university presidents and university officials from the State of São Paulo on "Transferring University Research to the Private Sector to Create Innovative Communities." Canadian delegates and Brazilian counterparts will then engage in a panel discussion on the same subject matter."

At 11:15 a.m., His Excellency will visit the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory, where he will see a live experiment done in conjunction with the Canadian Light Source, Inc. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The University of Campinas is a public university, funded by the State of São Paulo. It was established in 1966, in the city of Campinas, with the goal to become an academic center of excellence producing world-class basic and applied research, providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate education, and serving as a catalyst for economic and social development.

University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil

OPEN TO MEDIA

Saturday, April 28

São Paulo, Brazil

11 a.m.

Visit to Casa São José

Upon her arrival, Her Excellency will be welcomed by Sister Natalina Cherchiaro and members of the Canadian International Society (CIS). They will tour the library, the barbecue area-which was donated by the Canada-Brazil Chamber of Commerce-and the dental clinic, paid for through donations made by the CIS.

Casa São José was founded in 1986, by Sister Natalina Cerchiaro, an Italian-born nun. The community centre caters to the needs of over 2 000 families and also includes a daycare for children and an education facility.

The CIS is a registered, non-profit organization operating in the greater São Paulo region. Its efforts are dedicated to raising money for local charitable institutions that care for disadvantaged children and adults, and to helping develop young leaders in São Paulo's poorer communities.

Rua José Barros Magaldi, 100 Jardim São Luiz, São Paulo, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

1:15 p.m.

Visit to Casa Madre Teodora dos Idosos

Her Excellency, joined by Sister Natalina and CIS members, will visit Casa Madre Teodora dos Idosos (House for the Elderly), which was founded in 1989 and originally consisted of three wooden shacks on a vacant lot. Through the hard work of Sister Natalina and her group of volunteers, the facility has grown into a centre that houses 70 elderly homeless men and women who are provided with medical care, physical therapy, food, clothing, leisure activities, and physical and spiritual comfort.

Rua Yoshimara Minamoto, 56, Jardim Brasília, São Paulo, Brazil

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

WORKING VISIT TO BARBADOS

Sunday, April 29

Bridgetown, Barbados

3 p.m.

Arrival in Bridgetown

Upon their arrival in Bridgetown, Their Excellencies will be welcomed by Ms. Ruth Archibald, High Commissioner of Canada, and Mr. Philip St. Hill, Chief of Protocol of the Government of Barbados.

Grantley Adams International Airport, Bridgetown, Barbados

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Sunday, April 29

Holetown, Barbados

5:30 p.m.

Visit to Bellairs Research Institute

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation will tour the teaching and research facility connected to McGill University. They will be provided with an overview of the Institute's history and researchers will present information about their ongoing research projects.

Bellairs Research Institute maintains an open-door policy to all researchers with academic interests in tropical terrestrial and marine environments. Research at Bellairs has broadened from primarily marine science to a wide spectrum of disciplines in the natural and social sciences, such as geology, geography, archaeology, climatology, biology, ecology, horticulture, agriculture, sustainability and water management.

Bellairs Research Institute, Holetown, Barbados

OPEN TO MEDIA

Monday, April 30

Bridgetown, Barbados

10 a.m.

Courtesy Call on Acting Governor-General of Barbados

Their Excellencies and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with the Honourable Elliott Belgrave, Acting Governor-General of Barbados.

Government House, Bridgetown, Barbados

CLOSED TO MEDIA

11 a.m.

Courtesy Call on the Prime Minister of Barbados

Their Excellencies and selected members of the Canadian delegation will meet with the Honourable Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Ilaro, Bridgetown, Barbados

CLOSED TO MEDIA

12 p.m.

Friends of Canada Networking Lunch

The Governor General and the Canadian delegation will attend a networking lunch with government officials, as well as with Canadian and Barbadian representatives from the business, cultural and academic communities, and will engage in an exchange on our two countries' close bilateral relationship through the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the Organization of American State. The Governor General will propose a toast in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Grille Restaurant, Hilton Hotel, Bridgetown, Barbados

OPEN TO MEDIA-Toast only

Monday, April 30

Saint Michael, Barbados

2 p.m.

Keynote Address at Barbados Community College

The Governor General will visit Barbados Community College where he will deliver a speech to students, academics and Canadian institutions' alumni on Canada's and Barbados' great education partnerships. A panel discussion on the topic of the importance of colleges in contributing to employability and economic prosperity with Canadian delegates and Barbadian counterparts will follow.

In 1968, Barbados Community College was established by an act of Parliament to provide post-secondary education to a wide cross-section of the Barbadian public to which higher education was previously inaccessible. The Barbados Community College Act was amended in 1990 to empower the College to grant certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, degrees and other awards to persons who successfully completed courses of study approved by the Board of Management.

Eyrie Campus, Barbados Community College, Saint Michael, Barbados

OPEN TO MEDIA

4 p.m.

Visit to the Historic Garrison

Their Excellencies and the Canadian delegation will visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and will meet with members of the Barbados Defence Force, as well as with government and private sector officials. The Governor General will deliver remarks on the long historical ties between Canada and Barbados and on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Barbados Garrison, which was the largest in the British Colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries, was established in 1780 as the military headquarters for the Imperial Forces stationed here until 1905-06.

Officers Mess, St Ann's Fort, Barbados Defence Force Headquarters, Saint Michael, Barbados

OPEN TO MEDIA

STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Monday, April 30

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

8:30 p.m.

Arrival in Port of Spain

Upon their arrival in Port of Spain, Their Excellencies will be greeted by His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and other government officials. The Governor General will inspect the guard of honour during this official welcoming ceremony.

Piarco International Airport, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Tuesday, May 1

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

11:15 a.m.

Courtesy Call on the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Their Excellencies will meet with His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. An expanded meeting with the Canadian delegation will follow during which the Governor General will present a 50th anniversary commemorative coin. This year marks 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as 50 years of independence for Trinidad and Tobago.

Knowsley Residence, President's Compound, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the courtesy call

12:15 p.m.

Courtesy Call on the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Their Excellencies will meet with the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. An expanded meeting with the Canadian delegation will follow.

Prince Charles and Octagon Rooms, Diplomatic Centre, Trinidad and Tobago

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-At the beginning of the courtesy call

1:30 p.m.

Official Luncheon Hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

In honour of Their Excellencies' State visit to the country, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will host an official luncheon with government officials, civil society, academics and prominent business people. The Governor General and the Prime Minister will deliver remarks on this occasion, and will present the commemorative coin marking 50 years of bilateral relations between our two countries to the winner of the commemorative coin logo competition.

Ballroom, Diplomatic Centre, Trinidad and Tobago

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks and presentation of commemorative coin

4 p.m.

Wreath-Laying Ceremony at St. James Commonwealth Military Cemetery

His Excellency, accompanied by his spouse and the Canadian delegation, will lay a wreath to pay respects, on behalf of all Canadians, to the Canadian servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice, serving and protecting their country during the Second World War.

St. James Commonwealth Military Cemetery, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

6:30 p.m.

State Banquet Hosted by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will host a State banquet in honour of Their Excellencies' visit to the country. Both the President and the Governor General will deliver brief remarks on this occasion.

Ballroom, Knowsley Residence, President's Compound, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY-Upon the arrival of Their Excellencies

OPEN TO MEDIA-Speeches only

Wednesday, May 2

Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago

9:20 a.m.

Visit to Art Connect Program

Her Excellency will interact with teachers and students involved in the Art Connect Program at Success Laventille High School, which fosters self-empowerment among youths in the under privileged community of Laventille through the creation of a series of artistic activities. During her visit, she will attend a presentation by the high school's steel pan orchestra and view short excerpts of the film being produced about the students from the Art Connect Program.

Success Laventille High School, Fernandes Compound, Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago

OPEN TO MEDIA

Wednesday, May 2

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

10:15 a.m.

Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque at the Canadian High Commission

To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency will unveil a commemorative plaque at the Canadian High Commission.

High Commission of Canada, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Wednesday, May 2

San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

11 a.m.

Visit to Naparima Girls College

Her Excellency will visit the college as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The school has strong links with Canada as it was started by a Canadian Presbyterian minister, Reverend Fultin Coffin. Mrs. Johnston will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet and talk with students, and participate in a classroom activity. In honour of her visit, she will plant a Tamarind tree near the dormitory of the school built by Canadian missionaries.

4 La Pique Road, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

OPEN TO MEDIA

Wednesday, May 2

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

11:45 a.m.

Luncheon with Canadian and Local Business Community and Key Ministers

His Excellency and the Canadian delegation will meet with leaders of the Canadian business community in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as with heads of business associations and key ministers to highlight Canada's corporate social responsibility efforts and commercial relationship with Trinidad and Tobago. The Governor General will deliver remarks on this occasion.

Jade Room, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

OPEN TO MEDIA-Opening remarks only

2:30 p.m.

Keynote Address at University of the West Indies

The Governor General will deliver a keynote address on "Educating and Innovating in a Connected World" to students, faculty staff and education experts brought together from various learning institutions to the University of the West Indies. A panel discussion on educational linkages with Canadian delegates and Trinidadian counterparts will follow.

The University of the West Indies, established in 1948 initially as an external college of the University of London and made fully independent in 1962, is the oldest, fully regional institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The University has expanded to four campuses that serve diverse communities across the Caribbean region.

Daaga Auditorium,University of the West Indies, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

OPEN TO MEDIA

Members of the public can follow the official visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil, the working visit to Barbados and the State visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago online at www.gg.ca. Speeches, photos and videos of the Governor General will be posted.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

To obtain the latest updates, please visit www.gg.ca.