Rideau Hall grounds open to public for Justin Trudeau's swearing-in Nov. 4
New Liberal cabinet ministers to be officially installed Wednesday
Rideau Hall is opening its grounds as the new Liberal government is sworn in on Wednesday — and Canadians are invited to attend.
The public can come watch in person as prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau and his incoming cabinet ministers arrive at the official residence of the Governor General for the 10:30 a.m. ET swearing-in ceremony.
Gates will open to the public at 9 a.m. ET, the Governor General's office said in a release Friday.
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Trudeau will be sworn in as a member of the Privy Council before taking the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office and officially becoming Canada's 23rd prime minister.
Stephen Harper has already given notice to Gov. Gen. David Johnston he will resign, and will offer his formal resignation shortly before the incoming government is sworn in next week.
Under Harper's watch, the cabinet swearing-in was typically a low-key event, with only a handful of selected ministers taking questions after the ceremony. Trudeau has said he will preside over a more open and accessible government.
Rideau Hall spokeswoman Marie-Ève Létourneau said the grounds have been open to the public for past swearing-in events, including in 2006, 2008 and 2011, but it was not specifically mentioned that the public was invited to come and see the arrival of the new ministry
The public was also invited when Rachel Notley was sworn in as Alberta's 17th premier. Thousands of people packed the grounds of the legislature in May and enthusiastically chanted her name. Later, Notley circulated through the crowd, shaking hands and speaking with people.
Trudeau has promised gender balance in his new cabinet, which is expected to be smaller than Harper's.
Choosing a cabinet is just one of the priorities for the transition from Conservative to Liberal governments. Trudeau has so far not confirmed a date for when Parliament will be convened, but it is expected to open with a speech from the throne in early-to-mid December.
More details on the swearing-in ceremony will be announced early next week, Létourneau said.
10 steps in the swearing-in of PM and cabinet (PDF KB)
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(Graphic: Office of the Secretary to the Governor General)