Visit to Yukon - Day 2

On the morning of August 7, His Excellency visited the Immediate Reaction Unit Headquarters.

His Excellency had lunch in the field with the troops.

The Honourable Doug Phillips, Commissioner of Yukon, and Ms. Dale Stokes, along with the Honourable Elaine Taylor, Deputy Premier of Yukon, hosted a reception to mark their Excellencies’ visit. On this occasion, His Excellency presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to two individuals who contribute to the well-being of their community.

"Allen Murray has touched the lives of many adults and children. Since he came to Yukon in 1988, he has notably given his time to promote early childhood education. Through the Yukon Child Development Centre, he has supported families and children, advocated for funding, and encouraged others to believe in a child’s potential. Additionally, he is a board member for the Yukon Child Care Association, the Yukon Family Literacy Coalition, and the Society of Yukon Family Day Homes, and also serves on the Yukon advisory committee of “New Horizons for Seniors.” Described as “noble in spirit,” he was adopted into the Yukon Carcross-Tagish First Nation, where he is an honorary Elder."

"George Green has long been a volunteer and advocate for families of children with special needs. He volunteers with the Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon and is a founding member of the Whole Child Project Committee. As well, he is a co-founder of United Way Yukon, the Food Bank Society and the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, and he supports a number of organizations involved with youth, recreation and agriculture."

"This is such a fascinating and important part of Canada, with such a rich heritage and, without a doubt, a bright future," stated His Excellency. "And the reason for that bright future is ultimately very simple: it’s because of the people who dedicate themselves to the betterment of this community, this territory and the entire North. People like you, who may come from a variety of backgrounds and work in diverse spheres, but who share a commitment to this remarkable place."

At McLean Lake Road, the Governor General viewed fuel break operations.

"As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I have been proud to observe the opening stages of Operation Nanook, which is such a vital exercise in northern emergency readiness," said His Excellency during his visit to the Yukon. "I am particularly impressed by the complexity of this exercise and by the high degree of collaboration taking place. I know that this year’s operation is the largest and most complex yet, bringing in new partners and involving a number of complicated scenarios. To see our men and women in uniform working closely with members of all levels of government here in Yukon and across the North is to feel confident in our ability to deal with a crisis or emergency situation."

During his visit, the Governor General had the opportunity to witness first-hand the work of the Canadian Armed Forces in collaboration with territorial and municipal authorities during Operation NANOOK.

His Excellency posed with territorial and municipal authorities also participating in Operation NANOOK.

Operation NANOOK showcases Canadian Armed Forces support to civil emergency management situations, its response to threats to public safety, and its assistance to law enforcement agencies.

The Governor General enjoyed some homemade cookies during his tour of military operations.

The Governor General then travelled to Copper Ridge to observe sprinkler line operations.

The Governor General also toured a mobile medical unit situated at the Canada Games Centre.

Her Excellency spent part of the morning cooking and baking with employees of Bridges Café at the Ledge. The Café’s staff are people living with disabilities, including mental illness. This employment provides them an opportunity to gain practical skills and experience, as well as to interact with the public.