Visit to Toronto and Waterloo - Day 1

The Governor General got a glimpse of the kind of skills learned during the "boot camp".

Following my remarks, the Governor General discussed the progression of the Duke of Edinburgh’s program in Canada and throughout the world with the Earl of Wessex who was visiting Canada from October 26 to November 3.

The event was taking place at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

During his remarks, the Governor General said: "The Gairdners are a Canadian beacon of excellence. They are synonymous with superb!"

The Canada Gairdner Awards were created in 1959, to recognize and reward the achievements of medical researchers whose work contributes significantly to improving the quality of human life. These awards are globally known and respected internationally.

The Governor General making his way to the podium.

The Governor General delivered remarks at the 2015 Canada Gairdner Awards Gala Dinner honouring this year’s seven laureates whose work represents the most significant medical discoveries from around the world.

The Governor General also presented the Caring Canadian Award to Ms. Devorah Miller (second from the right) and Mr. David Skelly (second from the left), both volunteers for the program. Ms. Sandra Rotman, Founder of Rise Asset Development and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Mr. Tiff Macklem, Dean of the Rotman School of Management, joined Their Excellencies in congratulating the volunteers.

Following the presentation of the entrepreneurs, the Governor General congratulated them for their accomplishments.

Entrepreneurs talked about how the program supported them in launching and growing their businesses.

Rise Asset Development is a registered charity co-created by the Rotman School of Management and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) that provides low-interest small business loans, free training and mentorship to men and women with a history of mental health and addiction challenges.

The Governor General and Mrs. Johnston had the opportunity to briefly speak with the youth who are currently completing the program. During their visit, Their Excellencies also had the opportunity to speak with stakeholders.

Annually, 130 youth apply to the Hammer Heads program but only 16 are selected at a time.

Their Excellencies visited a training centre that offers Hammer Heads, a 12-week “boot camp”-style skills development program designed to train and place youth from under-resourced and Aboriginal communities into registered apprenticeship careers within the skilled construction trades.

The Central Ontario Building Trades (COBT) and its affiliates established Hammer Heads to provide access to life-changing career opportunties which were previously inaccessible.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum is a triennial event that brings together national award operators from around the world. The forum is an opportunity for those delivering the Award on a national basis to learn from one another and to be part of the development of global Award operations and strategy.

As national chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Canada, the Governor General delivered remarks to the participants of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum 2015. "All of you here with us today have already shown yourselves to be conscientious citizens. I have no doubt that you will continue to give back and to help young people see their role in building a better future for the world."

"The recipients of these awards have done some truly outstanding work. They’ve dedicated themselves to exploring the frontiers of knowledge and to achieving breakthroughs—all for the sake of our health and well-being. I thank and congratulate each of this year’s recipients on their remarkable achievements."