The Monarchist League of Ottawa hosts a formal dinner in honour of the birthdays of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Guest speaker Peter Milliken will give a talk on “The Crown and Canada’s Parliament.” May 14, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, $65. Army Officer’s Mess, 149 Somerset St., Ottawa, Ont. https://qbd.eventbrite.ca

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science hosts a Parliamentary Reception. May 13, 5:30-7 p.m. Rooms 601 & 602, Parliamentary Restaurant. Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to 613-233-8906 or fedora@impactcanada.com

Merit Canada hosts a reception celebrating its members and their contribution to building Canadian communities. May 13, 5-8 p.m. Métropolitain Brasserie & Restaurant, 700 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to merit@tsa.ca

The C.D. Howe Institute presents  a talk on “Looking Forward: Challenges Ahead for the Canadian Automotive Manufacturing Sector” with Dennis Desrosiers, President Desrosiers Automotive Consultants. May 13, 12-1:30 p.m., $45 members, $89 non-members. C.D. Howe Institute, 67 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont. www.cdhowe.ca

The Tulip Festival kicks off festival season in the capital with a splash of colour and culture. Also featured will be music, art and food and the new Cirque de Liberation attraction at Dow’s Lake. May 9-19. Various locations. Ottawa, Ont. 613-567-5757 or tulipfestival.ca

Today has been declared a National Day of Honour by Royal Proclamation in recognition and commemoration of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. The National Day of Honour will be commemorated in Ottawa and across Canada with several events, including a parade that will begin at the Canadian War Museum and travel along the Memorial Route to Parliament Hill. A moment of silence will be held across the country to reflect upon the sacrifices made during the mission.

The Canadian Association of Journalists is holding its 2014 Conference. Keynote speaker is AFN Chief Shawn Atleo. May 9-10. Holiday Inn and Suites, Vancouver, B.C. www.caj.ca

The Mood Disorders Society of Canada hosts its Defeat Depression Parliamentary Reception. May 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Room 602, Parliamentary Restaurant, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to 514-317-9333 or alex@impactcanada.com

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada is hosting a Parliamentary Reception in celebration of its 50th anniversary and annual national conference. (May 7-10). Those attending will have the chance to sign “The Universal Declaration of Communications Rights’ pledge as part of the International Communications Project 2014. May 7, 5-7 p.m. Rooms 601 & 603, Parliamentary Restaurant, Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to Andrew at 613-233-8906 or andrew@impactcanada.com