Media

Details regarding the swearing-in ceremony of the 22nd prime minister of Canada and his ministry

February 3, 2006

OTTAWA –The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada wishes to share the details regarding the transfer of power and the swearing-in ceremony of Canada’s 22^nd prime minister and the 28^th ministry, which will take place on Monday February 6, 2006, at Rideau Hall.

10:00 a.m. The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Paul Martin, will meet privately with the Governor General at Rideau Hall to formally give his resignation as prime minister of Canada.
(CLOSED TO THE MEDIA)

11:00 a.m. The Governor General will preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister designate, the Honourable Stephen Harper, and members of his Cabinet.
(POOLED MEDIA-For information regarding pooled media events, please contact John Waterfield of the Press Gallery at 992-6517).

12:15 p.m. The official photo of the new cabinet will be taken in the Ballroom.
(OPEN TO MEDIA)

A detailed schedule of events is attached.

The following info-sheets are available on-line:

• The swearing-in of a new ministry
• The swearing-in of privy councillors
• Oaths of office
• The Great Seal of Canada
• Biography of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada
• Biography of His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond
• The role of the Governor General
• Rideau Hall
• The Entrance Hall of Rideau Hall
• The Ballroom at Rideau Hall
• The stained glass windows at Rideau Hall

-30-

Press Office
Eric Richer
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 998-7280

Frédérique Tsaï-Klassen
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 993-8158

Randy Mylyk
Governor General’s Press Secretary
(613) 993-8167

Annex

Detailed schedule of events regarding the transfer of power and the swearing-in ceremony of Monday February 6, 2006

10:00 a.m.  Arrival of the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Paul Martin, who will hold a private meeting with the Governor General, at which time he will formally resign.

10:10 a.m.   The Right Honourable Paul Martin leaves Rideau Hall.

10:20 a.m.  Arrival of ministers designate and their guests.

10:35 a.m.  Arrival of the Prime Minister Designate, the Honourable Stephen Harper and his family.

10:55 a.m.  Ministers designate take their seats in the Ballroom.

10:59 a.m.  The Honourable Stephen Harper and his wife make their way to the Ballroom.

11:00 a.m.  Their Excellencies, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond enter the Ballroom for the swearing-in ceremony of Canada’s 22^nd prime minister and the 28^th Canadian ministry.

11:05 a.m.  Swearing-in of the Honourable Stephen Harper as Canada’s 22^nd prime minister.

11:10 a.m.  The Prime Minister signs the Instrument of Advice nominating his ministry and presents it to the Governor General for approval. The Governor General approves and signs the Instrument of Advice.

11:15 a.m.  Swearing-in of ministers begins.

11:55 a.m.  The Governor General entrusts the Great Seal of Canada to the
(approx.)  Registrar General of Canada

12:00 p.m.   End of the swearing-in ceremony and singing of the National Anthem.
(approx.)

12:15 p.m.  Official photo.
(approx.)