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City of Québec, Tuesday, June 24, 2008
My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden and I are overjoyed to be here with you to mark the arrival of these friends, who courageously braved the Ocean, from La Rochelle, France, to the City of Québec.
I am sure you will agree that their sense of daring mirrors the spirit of adventure that filled Samuel de Champlain in the 17th century as he set out to sea on each of his expeditions to the Americas.
Of course, he did not have the same technology, nor instruments as reliable as yours today, but the sea remains as indomitable when the elements rage.
One of the crews on this voyage discovered that first-hand, which explains why the Motus is not anchored alongside you today.
My husband and I were first deeply concerned and then relieved to learn that the rescue efforts were deployed successfully, with the help of the freighter Courage, which immediately changed course and arrived quickly on the scene. Our thoughts are with Michel Claire, with his fellow sailors, who were badly shaken up, and with his family, who are by his side as he remains in hospital in critical condition in Halifax.
Dubbed “a return to our roots,” the Grande Traversée was not without risk for the dozens of French and Québécois sailors involved. It was never thought of as a race against the clock but rather as a shared adventure into the pages of history.
An adventure buoyed up by the bonds of many friendships that helped the project become a reality. The launch took place amid an air of festivity.
My husband and I witnessed the magic of the great departure, along with Minister Couillard, Mayor Labaume, Chief Gros-Louis and his spouse, and all of the Quebeckers who had made the journey to be part of that moment in La Rochelle. And believe me, it was magical!
We were moved by the participation of the people of La Rochelle. More than 70 000 had gathered around the Bassin des Chalutiers in the old port of La Rochelle, where the Belem—a 112-year-old three-masted barque that we eagerly awaited—majestically sailed past, allowing the flotilla of 40 vessels to sail out to sea on their way to Quebec.
The adventure continues on a festive note, as we welcome them here on this beautiful Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
I think we can affirm with confidence that Champlain would be very proud if he were among us today.
For Quebec stands proudly as a flourishing beacon of La Francophonie in North America.
To the fellowship and friendship that unite Francophones on both sides of the Atlantic. Our ties are stronger than ever. Let us rejoice and pledge to continue extending the French language and culture throughout this continent, to defend them and enrich them with our unique contribution.
Thank you.