Visit to Abitibi-Témiscamingue - Day 2

Their Excellencies met with His Worship Mario Provencher, Mayor of Rouyn-Noranda, to discuss the many social, cultural, environmental and economic issues facing the city.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston met with people working in the field of mental health in Rouyn-Noranda.

Le Pont contributes to psychosocial rehabilitation as well as social and professional integration of its clientele through various activity programs such as a support service in the living environment and adapted shelter services to promote the recovery of a person with a mental health problem and optimal autonomy.

For more than 40 years, Guy Boisvert has generously given of his time to a number of causes. He was founding president of a minor league hockey club, long-time member of the Optimists Club and, more recently, president of the Club de l’âge d’or d’Évain. For years, he has been the organizer behind community social events, leading various teams of volunteers, to raise funds for charitable causes. Mr. Boisvert’s community spirit, energy and engagement are an inspiration to his peers.

Since 1962, Jean-Charles Coutu has been dedicated to his community. He is, notably, a founding member of the Conseil de Bien-Être de Rouyn-Noranda, which works to improve the quality of education and health care services in the community, and he was instrumental in the creation of a psychiatric care facility serving northwestern Quebec. Also engaged in the cultural development of his region, Mr. Coutu has been a driving force behind several community festivals including, among others, the Festival des guitares du monde de l’Abitibi-Témiscaminque.

For nearly 25 years, Marielle Montreuil and Jacqueline Gaignard (who his honoured in the photo) have been providing moral and tangible support to the families of Abitibi-Témiscamingue whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Founders of the regional Alzheimer Society of Rouyn-Noranda, they have become the resource people with respect to this disease, informing, orienting and educating those living with Alzheimer’s, their families, and health professionals. Their perseverance has given hope to hundreds of people affected by this disease.

"To see the beauty of this community, to see the majesty of such sites as Osisko Lake in the middle of such a resource-rich city is simply breathtaking. Even more impressive is that Rouyn-Noranda has been dedicated to a healthy community for decades. You understand that a successful city relies on more than just economic success, that it must also consider the long-term health and well-being of the environment and its citizens."

Their Excellencies met with citizens of Rouyn-Noranda during a community gathering at city hall.

Xstrata is one of the world’s largest mining and metals companies. Operating in more than 20 countries, it employs more than 70 000 people globally. Here you can see the pooring of copper.

The Governor General visited the Xstrata Copper Canada Horne Foundry to learn more about the techniques for processing copper and recycling metals.

The Governor General met with members of the board of directors and governors of the Fondation communautaire de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue to discuss the establishment of the foundation and the overall positive impact that philanthropy has on a community.

Incorporated in 2004, the Neighbours Regional Association is a community, volunteer-based organization committed to strengthening networks within the English- and French-speaking population, as well as encouraging community development initiatives.

Their Excellencies spoke with members of the Neighbours Regional Association of Rouyn-Noranda and with Francophone partners to learn more about the various initiatives developed jointly with its partners to forge ties between Anglophones and Francophones and to encourage collaboration between these two groups to benefit the entire community.

During their visit to the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) and to the Centre de technologie des résidus industriels (CTRI), Their Excellencies met with researchers and teachers learn more about the various technological innovation projects in the primary industrial niches of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

Their Excellencies were greeted to the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue by Ms. Martine Rioux, General Secretary of UQAT, and Ms. Johanne Jean, President of UQAT.

The Governor General shook hands with a few students, including Osvaldo Valeria.

Their Excellencies visited the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) and the Centre de technologie des résidus industriels (CTRI) of the Cégep de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Mr. Bruno Bussière guided Their Excellencies through the laboratories.

Her Excellency met individuals with mental health problems who use the day centre of Le Pont and benefit from its services. She was invited to take part in various workshops offered by Le Pont that day.