January 10, 2024
OTTAWA, Ontario—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will take part in activities related to Rendez-Vous 25 (RV25), a celebration to commemorate 25 years since the creation of the Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR) program. RV25 will take place in Kuujjuaq, in the Nunavik region of Quebec, from January 12 to 13, 2024.
As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General plays a major role in recognizing the importance of Canada’s military at home and abroad. She offers support and encouragement to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and to their families and loved ones, and helps Canadians recognize the military’s past and present contributions to our country.
Governor General Simon also plays an important role in raising awareness of issues affecting Canadians. To this end, she will visit the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre to shed light on mental health issues affecting people living in northern communities, and to learn about the support and care the centre provides to residents of the Nunavik region.
Itinerary:
Note: Times are indicated in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, Quebec
Friday, January 12
1:15 p.m.
Junior Canadian Ranger cadet competition – site one
Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser will encourage and cheer on JCR cadets as they compete in friendly competitions, including ice fishing and dog sledding.
The JCR program is a challenging and rewarding program for youth in remote communities across Canada. The program integrates practical skills and cultural practices in a fun and friendly environment.
Learn more about the JCR program
Stewart Lake
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contact: Major Alexander Gordon, alexander.gordon@forces.gc.ca
2:20 p.m.
Junior Canadian Ranger cadet competition – site two
Governor General Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser will encourage and cheer on JCR cadets as they compete in friendly competitions, including snowshoe racing, slingshot target shooting and improvised shelter building.
Reservoir
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Major Alexander Gordon, alexander.gordon@forces.gc.ca
3:30 p.m.
Visit to a Nunavik Recovery Centre
Their Excellencies will visit the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre to meet with counsellors and staff to understand the work they do and how it benefits members of the community.
The Isuarsivik Recovery Centre delivers holistic and culturally sensitive healing programs for residents of the Nunavik region to improve their well-being and build strong, safe and healthy communities.
Learn more about the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre
Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Center
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
4:30 p.m.
Visit to the Tusaajiapik Elders’ home
Governor General Simon will meet with Elders at their residence in Kuujjuaq as a show of respect. The home provides 24-hour care in an environment adapted to Inuit culture.
Tusaajiapik Elders’ Home
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
6 p.m.
Dinner with the Junior Canadian Ranger cadets
Their Excellencies will join JCR cadets for dinner following a full day of outdoor competitions and activities. They will take time to mingle with the cadets and congratulate them on their efforts.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
7:30 p.m.
Cultural performances by local artists
Their Excellencies will join JCR cadets, Canadian Armed Forces members and members of the community for a showcase of local culture and artistry.
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Major Alexander Gordon, alexander.gordon@forces.gc.ca
Saturday, January 13
10 a.m.
Ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Junior Canadian Ranger program
Governor General Simon will deliver remarks at the ceremony commemorating 25 years since the creation of the JCR program. As part of the ceremony, medals will be presented to the winners of the previous day’s competitions.
Town Hall Theatre
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Major Alexander Gordon, alexander.gordon@forces.gc.ca
12 p.m.
Community feast
Their Excellencies will join JCR cadets, Canadian Armed Forces representatives and local residents at a community feast to celebrate the JCR program and a successful weekend of competitive activities.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Notes for media
- Members of the media must confirm their attendance at select events with the Canadian Armed Forces. Please contact alexander.gordon@forces.gc.ca.
- Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via media@gg.ca.
- Members of the media can follow the Governor General’s visit and activities online at www.gg.ca.
Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca
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