Visit to the Citadelle of Québec - Day 2

Founded in 1992, Maison Dauphine is a safe haven for street youth aged 12 to 24 years that provides unconditional aid in an environment respectful of differences. Maison Dauphine offers youth the chance to be accepted for who they are and to rebuild a safe living environment for themselves, one that meets their needs and addresses the realities they face. It allows them to take a break, to receive protection, help and support, and to be involved in finding solutions to their problems.

Mary J. May Simon, O.C., O.Q., received the Governor General's Northern Medal from His Excellency. Born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Quebec, on Nunavik’s Ungava Coast, Mary Simon is devoted to the well-being of the Inuit in Canada and abroad. A champion of social justice, particularly for children and youth, Ms. Simon has made it her life’s work to increase recognition of Aboriginal rights and northern affairs. Through her diplomacy and leadership, Ms. Simon has gained the respect of many heads of governments and international organizations. She is a valued advisor on important northern issues such as sovereignty, the environment, economic development and social policy. In addition to her many accomplishments, including the negotiation of the recognition of Aboriginal rights in the Constitution Act, 1982, Ms. Simon became the first Inuk to hold an ambassadorial position. She is also known as the principal architect of Canada’s northern policy. A true visionary and passionate advocate for Inuit culture, Ms. Simon is a continuous source of inspiration and is committed to the preservation of Canada’s northern identity.

Their Excellencies enjoyed a private rock performance by Gabriel and Ronnie.

During this visit, Her Excellency had a chat with Marie-Hélène Roy, a young woman who uses the services of Maison Dauphine.

On the morning of September 20, 2011, Their Excellencies visited Maison Dauphine in Québec and met with staff and youth benefitting from the services it offers. They had lunch with youth who use the services of Maison Dauphine and talked with them about their day-to-day challenges.

Alexandre Phaneuf, M.B., also received the Medal of Bravery from His Excellency. On May 26, 2009, Alexandre Phaneuf jumped into the freezing waters of the Rivière des Prairies to save the life of a suicidal woman, in Laval, Quebec. While crossing a bridge, Mr. Phaneuf noticed several onlookers peering over the side. When asked, they explained that a young woman had jumped off the bridge. Mr. Phaneuf, an experienced lifeguard, immediately went to the water’s edge, where he saw the victim floating some distance away. He swam toward the victim, who kept drifting farther and farther away. Fighting against the strong current, he finally reached the woman. He spoke calmly to her and safely towed her back to the riverbank.

Geneviève Otis-Leduc, M.B., received the Medal of Bravery from His Excellency. On June 24, 2009, Ms. Otis-Leduc placed herself at considerable risk to rescue two friends from a possible drowning in the Batiscan River, in Notre-Dame-de-Montauban, Quebec. Ms. Otis-Leduc and her friends had been celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day when two of them decided to dive into a waterfall. The two friends wound up in turbulent waters, in the middle of the river. One of them suffered an asthma attack, panicked and grabbed onto the other. Ms. Otis-Leduc made her way to them and grabbed the friend who had difficulty breathing. She brought him safely to shore and then swam back to her second friend who, weighed down by his clothing, was in danger of drowning. Although the victim unintentionally pushed her many times below the surface, Ms. Otis-Leduc succeeded in pulling him safely to shore. Her perseverance and brave actions enabled her to save her two friends.

Private Adam J. P. Fraser, S.C., Corporal Déri J. G. Langevin, S.C., and Corporal Marc-André Poirier, S.C., received the Star of Courage from His Excellency. On July 19, 2009, corporals Marc-André Poirier and Déri Langevin and Private Adam Fraser demonstrated exceptional courage while helping people who had been injured following the crash of a civilian helicopter at the Kandahar Air Field, in Afghanistan. Alerted to the incident, the three rescuers rushed to the scene outside the security wall of their camp. They crossed a dangerous area engulfed in flames and dodged frequent explosions to reach two victims who were lying in a ditch near the wreckage of their burning helicopter. They moved the wounded to a safe place and provided first aid until medical personnel arrived. The rescuers had to abandon their search for other victims when they realized they were in a minefield. Thanks to the rescuers’ efforts, five of the 21 passengers and crew survived.

Chief Warrant Officer Ernest Gérard Joseph Poitras, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. Chief Warrant Officer Poitras was part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing from May to November 2009. He was faced with a number of challenges, including the introduction of a new aircraft to the mission and limited operational experience within the air wing. Nevertheless, his leadership was instrumental in forging a cohesive and operationally focused team. His devotion and professionalism ensured his team was equipped to face the challenges associated with providing the best possible aviation support to ground forces in Afghanistan. His unwavering mission focus contributed to the operational success of the air wing and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.

Colonel Jocelyn J. J. M. J. Paul, M.S.C., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from His Excellency. As commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group, from April to October 2009, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul displayed outstanding leadership and tactical brilliance as he planned and conducted highly successful counter-insurgency operations that significantly degraded the enemy’s combat capability. Through his innovative, bold and focused approach, he disrupted the insurgency’s ability to gain tactical advantage during the traditional fighting season, and strengthened the Afghan government’s authority within Kandahar province. His superb command of his unit ensured its success, advanced international efforts in Afghanistan, and brought great credit to Canada and to the Canadian Forces.

Sergeant Marc-André J. M. Rousseau, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour from His Excellency. On August 3, 2010, while Sergeant Rousseau was conducting an exercise with a group of civilians at the Kandahar Airfield, insurgents blew a hole in the fence in an attempt to force their way inside. Despite being under heavy fire, Sergeant Rousseau led two comrades over exposed ground, occupied a nearby vehicle and aggressively engaged the enemy. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Rousseau demonstrated outstanding leadership and courage, which proved vital to winning the battle and saving countless lives on the airfield.

During this ceremony, Director Marc Parent, M.O.M., of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, was invested as Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

In the afternoon, the Governor General presented mixed honours to 29 recipients at the Citadelle of Québec. These honours recognize Canadians who have demonstrated excellence, valour, bravery or exceptional dedication to service that brings credit to the country.