Official Visit to Nova Scotia - Day 3

Upon his arrival in Sydney, the Governor General was welcomed by the Honourable Frank Corbett, Deputy Premier and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cape Breton Centre.

The Governor General also took this opportunity to address volunteers and learn about how their experience has changed their lives. His Excellency believes that philanthropy and volunteerism are key components in establishing a smart and caring nation, and has incorporated them into the three pillars of his mandate as the 28th governor general of Canada.

During his visit to the construction site, the Governor General lended a hand to volunteer crews. This renovation project is in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia and the University of Cape Breton. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The mission of Habitat for Humanity is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing, and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.

As patron of Habitat for Humanity Canada, His Excellency met with volunteers involved in renovating a company house, in Glace Bay, for a family in need. Company houses were built in the early 1900s by the Dominion Coal Company to house its workers.

Known for its highly successful graduation rate, the school is dedicated to providing quality education for all students, and strives to offer a safe and comfortable environment where mutual respect results in academic, social, physical and emotional growth for everyone. Her Excellency Sharon Johnston spoke with students.

Their Excellencies, accompanied by Chief Terry Paul and Mrs. Tracy Paul, met and interacted with students from grades Primary to 6 at the Membertou Elementary School.

Their Excellencies stopped to view three carved figures of the Grand Chief of Membertou.

Their Excellencies listened to a Mi’kmaq honour song performed by the Sons of Membertou.

Cape Breton University’s Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment, the chiefs and band councils of Cape Breton’s five First Nations communities, and the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office share a collaborative partnership that focuses on economic opportunities directly tied to research and development in energy and environmental sustainability that will see the engagement of local Mi’kmaq in these research and development efforts.

Their Excellencies proceeded to Unama’Ki College for a presentation on the history of Cape Breton University with Mi’kma’ki—the homeland of the Mi’kmaq— by principal Lindsay Marshall. They also attended a round-table discussion with representatives from the Unama’ki communities—the five First Nations of Cape Breton—that have formed a unique economic partnership and established a collaborative approach to economic development.

Their Excellencies visited the University of Cape Breton where they were welcomed by Dr. H. John Harker, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. Their Excellencies were also introduced to vice-presidents and other officials.

Upon their arrival in the Community of Membertou, Their Excellencies were greeted by Chief Terry Paul.