Visit To Northern Ontario - Day 3

On the occasion of Their Excellencies' visit to 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, they were greeted by a guard of honour.

"So here are my top three takeaways after spending one day in North Bay: 1-This city is diverse, and it is full of caring, energetic people who want to make a difference; 2-This city is smart and home to some cutting-edge institutions and initiatives in health, education and the military; and 3-This city is unique in its history, its geography and its people, and it has something unique to offer Canada," said the Governor General.

The North Bay Indian Friendship Centre aims to improve the quality of life of First Nation, Metis and Inuit people living in North Bay.

Mrs. Johnston visited the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre and met with with community members who have benefited from some of the programs offered by the Friendship Centre, which range in focus from children and youth, to legal and health care issues, and to employment counselling.

"What makes Canada great is people like you. People like your parents and teachers and friends. We’re all different, and that’s a good thing.Our diversity, our differences—that’s the true strength of our country," said the Governor General.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies visited Héritage Public School to learn about North Bay’s vibrant Francophone community and about the school’s progressive anti-bullying program.

Héritage Public school is the French language school in North Bay and offers French quality education.

The panelists discussed Aboriginal reconciliation and education.

Later in the morning, His Excellency visited offered remarks at Nipissing University prior to a panel discussion. "All Canadians have much to learn from the first peoples of this land, not least in our approach to education, which must recognize that learning is a lifelong journey," said the Governor General.

Following this, His Excellency toured the base including the Sector Air Operations Centre that is part of Canada’s commitment with NORAD.

22 Wing North Bay, also known as the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), is responsible for providing surveillance, identification, control and warning for the aerospace defence of Canada and North America at the Sector Air Operations Centre.

Upon arrival, His Excellency delivered remarks to 22 Wing’s Defence Team. "NORAD plays such an important role in maintaining North American security. And for many years, your collaboration has stood as proof of how well Canada and the United States work together," said the Governor General.

The Governor General inspected the guard of honour. 22 Wing/CFB North Bay is home of the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS).

Their Excellencies attended a dinner hosted by the city of North Bay and local services clubs.