Québec City, Quebec - 25 June 2015
Thank you very much, everyone.
Minister Lebel, Minister Blaney, Member of Parliament Gourde, Mayor Labeaume, Chairman of the Board Moreau, Captain Thibault and our naval residence hosts, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
When the first French sailing ships dropped anchor here over four centuries ago, no one—not even the great Samuel de Champlain – could have imagined the turning point it marked in the history of the world.
That was the starting point of the great adventure of the French presence on North-American soil.
An adventure that continues to this day thanks to the pride and determination of successive generations of men and women who nurtured ever deeper roots for the values and aspirations of their parents and ancestors.
From the tiny settlement founded by Champlain and his fellow explorers would grow one of the greatest countries in the world, our Canada, which today is admired and respected around the globe.
Like the First Nations, the first to explore these shores in canoes, the founders of our country came here by water.
Canada was born of the sea and it has grown and prospered throughout most of its existence thanks in large part to maritime trade and maritime immigration.
I’m therefore very pleased to announce today that the Government of Canada will financially support Rendez-vous 2017, which will undoubtedly be a high point of the celebration surrounding the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Between June 29th and August 20th, 2017, about 40 tall ships from around the world will visit the four Atlantic provinces as well as Quebec and Ontario.
Over that period, these magnificent ships will be visible from dozens of cities and towns along our shore.
The sight of this prestigious and impressive flotilla will no doubt bring to mind the golden years of sailing ships.
The years when Canada was starting to take its place on the global stage.
Indeed, in the days of wooden ships and iron guns, the Québec City was known as one of the world’s foremost naval centres.
The Port of Quebec is also part of Canada’s history.
It is here, in 1820, that a five-year old boy and his parents arrived from Scotland.
His name was John Macdonald – the man who in 1867 would become our first Prime Minister.
Another of our founding fathers, George-Étienne Cartier, the man who ensured a key place for Quebecers in Canadian Confederation, also came through here.
He was here in 1872 on his way to London to obtain care, though he would never again set eyes on Canada.
I am very pleased, Mayor Labeaume, that some 3,000 crew members, mostly young cadets, will have the opportunity to discover our beloved Québec, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
This gathering of so many historic vessels from around the world will also be an international tribute to a country that is still young and is not done impressing the world.
In closing, I’d like to point out that it is not too late for individuals, organizations, communities or businesses to submit to the Department of Heritage any plans they may have to contribute to the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Thank you very much, everyone.
Thank you.
