Visit to Beaconsfield

The Governor General participated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Upon his arrival in Beaconsfield, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, met with the Mayor His Worship Georges Bourelle and city councillors.

The Governor General then proceeded to Beaconsfield High School to meet with Secondary 2 students in the Infinity 1:1 Laptop Program, which offers a digital learning environment in the classroom through the use of laptop computers and the latest software.

As part of his visit, the Governor General addressed Secondary 5 students on the importance of community spirit and volunteerism: "Your contributions matter because you recognize that ours is a complex world, one with many challenges, but you never lose hope for the future. In fact, it is that hope of a better world—that moral compass—that is driving you to do more in your communities and around the country, to get involved at the grassroots level and create change."

In the afternoon, His Excellency attended the official inauguration ceremony for Heroes Park and Cenotaph—a permanent symbol honouring the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and first responders in the course of their official duties.

His Excellency took the time to speak with veterans.

"It is a pleasure to be here for the dedication of this park in honour of the military personnel, community police officers, RCMP officers, firefighters, paramedics and first responders who bravely serve this community and this country.One of the great privileges of being governor general comes in honouring courageous Canadians through the presentation of honours and decorations for service and bravery," said His Excellency.

He also presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Douglas Cooke: For over 50 years, Douglas Cooke has made continual contributions to Beaconsfield with his volunteer involvement in sports, culture and community life. He founded the Beaurepaire Swim Club and was instrumental in starting a competitive, indoor swim club, the Beaconsfield Barracudas, which is today known as the Beaconsfield Bluefins Swim Club. He has volunteered at the Beaconsfield Library since 2002 and he sits on the Book Selection Committee. For the past 15 years, working in partnership with the City of Beaconsfield, he has coordinated the community BBQs for the Canada Day and Fête nationale celebrations, which are attended by over 10 000 people. At 85 years of age, he remains an active volunteer in his community.