CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
I think you will agree: one need only look out from high atop the western bank of the Cap-aux-Diamants promontory to understand why Frontenac chose to build a redoubt on this site.
The role that this military structure played in the city's defence strategy is obvious.
And we could think of no better way to honour our history, as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec, than to transform the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt into a space dedicated to showcasing our heritage and expressing our culture.
It is one of the rare remnants of Quebec's earliest fortifications and one of Canada's oldest military buildings.
Designated a classified federal heritage building in 1991, the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt is one of the jewels of the Citadelle and the Historic District of Old Québec, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
What began as a defence works will now serve as a permanent exhibit space for such works as Le Grand Livre de Champlain.
On May 8, in La Rochelle, against a backdrop that included the Belem and a number of vessels about to set sail and follow in the wake of Samuel de Champlain, it was with great pride and emotion that my husband and I accepted this magnificent gift from the cities of La Rochelle, Rochefort and the Agglomération de Royan Atlantique.
Contemporary artists have breathed new life into the accounts Champlain wrote in his journal. They created this larger-than-life work based on his notes, engravings and maps.
Mr. Fontaine, this gift has touched us all. Please convey our thanks once again to the people of La Rochelle, Rochefort and Royan.
My husband and I were very anxious that the Grand Livre be displayed in a place worthy of its grandeur. And now it is.
The inauguration of the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt on this beautiful May morning would not have been possible were it not for the joint efforts of several partners:
Public Works and Government Services Canada, which oversaw the restoration work, led by its team of architects.
Parks Canada, whose knowledge and experience with respect to history, archaeology, heritage development and architecture were invaluable.
The Musée du Royal 22e Régiment, which helped to produce an audiovisual presentation and which has spent several years working with our team of guides to welcome thousands of visitors.
And finally, National Defence, which spearheaded the landscaping project.
I would also like to applaud the hard work of the Citadelle and Rideau Hall team, which was closely involved in researching documents and illustrations, creating educational programs and ensuring hospitality and interpretation services.
Last but certainly not least is the invaluable contribution of my husband. Jean-Daniel believed in this project from the very beginning. He brought to it his energy and ideas. He kept things moving ahead and helped to bring all of the partners together. Jean-Daniel, we are all grateful to you.
One of the goals that we all shared, of course, was to preserve the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt for future generations, but we also wanted to make it accessible to a broad audience.
We hope that visitors will come out in droves to discover this jewel in our collective heritage.
May it be a proud witness to the history we share and are commemorating with this 400th anniversary of the founding of a city of which the people of Quebec are so proud.
I join them in celebrating its beauty and rich history.
Enjoy your visit!
