The Canada-China Friendship Society presents a talk with Jim Watson on “Ottawa and Beijing: Hands Across the Pacific.” April 15, 7:30-9 p.m., $5. Library and Archives Canada, Room 156, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa, Ont. Contact: Gary Levy at 613-520-2600 ext. 1432 or gary.levy@carleton.ca

The Embassy of Japan and the U.S. Embassy are hosting a day of activities for the whole family in celebration of Earth Day. Activities include origami, a screening of Disney’s Ponyo and more. April 10, 1:30 p.m. Free. Embassy, 255 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP by calling 613-244-6959 or email to infocul@ot.mofa.go.jp

The Canadian Journalism Foundation presents a panel discussion on “Does the Press Gallery Matter?” Panellists include Jennifer Ditchburn, Canadian Press, and Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada. Moderated by Tom Clark, Global News. April 9, 7-8:30 p.m. NAC, 53 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP@cjf-fjc.ca

CIC NCR presents a panel discussion on “Costs and Challenges of Corruption in International Affairs.” Panellists include Akaash Maharaj, Executive Director, Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, and Susan Carter, Director, Transparency International Canada. April 9, 6 p.m., presentation; 7 p.m., optional dinner. Rideau Room, Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, Ont. Register to 613-903-4011 or ottawa@opencanada.org

House Speaker Andrew Scheer and Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella will host the St. John Ambulance Day on the Hill reception (Centre Block, Room 160-S. 5:30-7 p.m.) Also, St. John Ambulance is asking MPs to host a 30-minute presentation in their office. Contact Sen. Don Meredith (don.meredith@sen.parl.gc.ca); Sen.

The Carleton University Choir presents an evening of classical music, including Faure’s Requiem. April 5, 7:30 p.m., $20. Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. 613-520-5770 or carleton.ca/music/choir

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra presents its Spring Annual Soirée with violinist Alexandre da Costa and pianist David Jalbert. There will also be a dinner and live auction. April 5, 6 p.m., $200. Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ont. 613-231-7802 ext. 200 or ticket@ottawasymphony.com

CES at Carleton University presents a talk on “The EU 2030 De-carbonization Policy: Public Intervention or Free Market?” with Anatole Boute, University of Aberdeen. April 2, 3-4:30 p.m. Senate Room, Rm. 608, Robertson Hall, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to ces@carleton.ca

The River Parkway Children’s Centre presents a talk with Andrea Culver, Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care on “Trends and Challenges Facing Child Care in Ontario.” April 1, 6:30 p.m. First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Ave., Ottawa, Ont. alexcullen@rogers.com