Visit to Abitibi-Témiscamingue - Day 1

The Governor General delivered remarks to the participants of SAREX, a search and rescue exercice, who met in Val-d'Or. The participants were from five Canadian search and rescue squadrons from Comox, BC; Winnipeg, MB; Trenton, ON; Greenwood, NS; and Gander, NL, as well as three combat squadrons from Cold Lake, AB; Goose Bay, NL; and Bagotville, QC.

Their Excellencies will visit Technobois, an occupational integration company specializing in wood processing. Upon their arrival, they met with Mr. Stéphane Audy and Mr. Paul Pratte.

Their Excellencies met with the program organizers and with workers striving to develop the skills and abilities they need to obtain and maintain employment or to return to their studies. Their also had a guided visit of the shop.

Technobois helps people aged 18 and older integrate into the job market or return to their studies. Founded in 1997, Technobois is the only occupational integration company in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

Their Excellencies visited Abitibi Géophysics Inc., one of the largest companies in Canada working in the field of applied geophysics to mineral exploration.

Their Excellencies visited laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and learn about tools that have been developed to better explore the subsurface. Abitibi Geophysics Inc. is dedicated to providing optimum quality geophysical sampling, processing and analysis to help its clients find precious and base metals, diamonds, uranium and other mineral resources.

Their Excellencies participated in a community gathering and the presentation of Caring Canadian Awards.

"In so many ways, Val-d’Or plays a crucial role in the region and the province, and the success of this city is of great importance to Canada’s overall well-being. All throughout my visit, I have met so many people who define not only community, but also the strength of this nation. Your achievements and hard work deserve to be celebrated. At heart, this great community is a testament to your successes and to those of your predecessors."

For many years, Georges Michaud has engaged in the life of his community, including as president of the recreational committee of the Club de l’âge d’or de Val-Senneville (now amalgamated with Val-d’Or). He also served as commander of the Air Cadets’ 728 Squadron La Vérendrye de Val-d’Or. More recently, Mr. Michaud has been involved with the organization of the Salon des générations de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The Governor General presented him with the Caring Canadian Award.

The Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre is a multi-service centre in a cosmopolitan town where different Aboriginal nations are present.

Their Excellencies met with some of the people taking a course to gain skills to reach better outcome in their lifes.

Their Excellencies met with some of the 250 members of the Canadian Forces deployed to Val-d’Or as part of a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) taking place September 16 to 22.

Upon their arrival to Val-d'Or City Hall, Their Excellencies were greeted by students from Golden Valley and Papillon d'or schools.

Children from Golden Valley and Papillon d'or schools had a few questions for Their Excellencies.

Their Excellencies met with Ms. Céline Brindamour, Deputy Mayor of the City of Val d’Or, to discuss some of the city’s issues and successes.

Their Excellencies took part in a discussion at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue to familiarize them with various partnership programs designed to improve the region’s economic conditions. Partnerships between the City of Val-d’Or and its surroundings, the private and public sectors, and Aboriginal nations (Cree and Algonquin) were discussed.

The discussion provided an overview of the region and touch on some of its challenges, strengths and successes, as well as the projects and partnerships that have strengthened support networks.

Their Excellencies visited the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre, a community organization offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of a diverse clientele united by its Aboriginal identity.

Their Excellencies visited Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre and met with members of the staff, board of directors and Aboriginal community. They also chatted with kids having lunch.

A teacher by profession, Marcelle Sweet has helped to expand the horizons of the citizens of Val-d’Or through her leadership of initiatives that promote education, the arts and, most of all, music. She is a member of the Friends of the Conservatoire de musique de Val-d’Or and the president of the Société d’art lyrique de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Now retired, Ms. Sweet teaches English as a second language at the Réseau libre savoir and hosts TV programs in her region. The Governor General presented her with the Caring Canadian Award.