Visit to Calgary and Vancouver - Day 3

The Governor General met, in Vancouver, with participants of Take a Hike, an alternative education program that engages at-risk youth through a unique combination of adventure-based learning, academics, counseling, and community involvement.

His Excellency took part in one of Take a Hike's outdoor education activities. Krystil Koethler gives her instructions to the participants of an avanlanche simulation training.

His Excellency took a behind-the-scenes tour of TRIUMF Laboratory's unique facilities including the main cyclotron accelerator. It is the largest device of its kind in the world. It was recently recognized as one of Canada’s top 11 engineering achievements.

The guided tour also included a sneak preview of the new ARIEL laboratory, which will house Canada’s next accelerator flagship using superconducting technology.

The Governor General participated in a dialogue with international and Canadian participants in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2012 Annual Meeting. They exchanged ideas on how to foster the growth of global scientific entrepreneurship and on best practices for small- and medium-sized businesses to remain or become more innovative in the face of global pressure.

The Governor General delivered the opening address at the American Association for the Advancement of Science President’s reception. "By gathering scientists from across the globe, this association is transcending boundaries through the universal language of science. (...) You are building a better world—a smarter, more caring world—based on the idea that all of us, all people and all nations, are eager to know."

The American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting, being held in Canada for the first time in 30 years, is one of the most widely recognized science events in the world. The Olympic Cauldron was re-lit for the occasion.

Mr. Rick Hansen also delivered remarks at the reception.