Visit to Montréal

With its powerful light, the tower also served as a lighthouse to guide ships entering the port. Originally, it also served to conceal the sheds that lined the quays.

The Governor General spoke with students Daisy Heart (left) and Jérôme Simard (right)about their training and life at school.

The new lighting further showcases this historic tower built between 1919 and 1922 under the authority of Montréal’s harbour commissioners, acting on an idea proposed by a group of citizens to erect a monument in honour of the members of the merchant marine lost at sea during the First World War. An inscription was later added in memory of the seamen lost in the Second World War.

Joined by veterans, the Governor General rang the bell to illuminate the tower.

To mark the redevelopment of the Old Port of Montréal’s Clock Tower, His Excellency attended the illumination ceremony of the city’s iconic symbol. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Ms. Claude Benoit, President and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation (right).

With the help of Chad Lubelsky from Santropol Roulant, the Governor General put on his knapsack to deliver meals to homes in the community.

The Governor General pursued his visit to the Santropol Roulant, a Montréal-based not-for-profit organization that prepares and delivers meals by bicycle, on foot, by public transport and by car to seniors and people living with a loss of autonomy across Montréal.

His Excellency toured the centre’s roof-top gardens, bicycle co-op, kitchen, and composting system.

His Excellency walked in the streets of Montréal.

His Excellency delivered a meal to Mr. Hans Moller (centre) who lives nearby the organization.

He was joined by two volunteers from Santropol Roulant who shared their experiences with the organization.

The Governor General took this opportunity to present Eddy, the mascot of EduZone, to CSA president Steve MacLean and Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield —who was live from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, via video conference. Eddy will join Mr. Hadfield aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November 2012 and will fly into space to reach the International Space Station as part of Expedition 34/35. During space missions, astronauts can bring with them a certain number of objects from various organizations.

He then proceeded to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). He was joined by Mr. Steve MacLean, President of CSA, who explained the importance of the Space Operations Support Centre, which is equipped with an operations control room, networking equipment, audio and video equipment, and software to support NASA in the operation and maintenance of the Mobile Servicing System.

The Canadian Space Agency is committed to leading the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity. The mandate of the Canadian Space Agency is to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science, and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.

His Excellency also manoeuvered a rover.

Official photo of His Excellency with CSA senior management.

The largest North American school devoted to advanced circus arts training, the National Circus School is an institution for higher education with a primary mission to prepare circus artists. Internationally renowned for highest-quality training, it opens its doors to more than 150 students from around the world.

His Excellency toured this state-of-the-art facility, and witnessed some of the students' extensive training sessions.

On December 14, 2011, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, conducted a one-day visit to Montréal during which he visited the National Circus School.