As part of the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, a group of past participants, along with Don Johnston, President of Canada World Youth, had the honor of attending a ceremony offered on July 2nd by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond.

During the celebration, held at the Governor General’s residence at the Citadelle of Quebec, past participants Augusta Acquah, Stéphanie Sasseville, Esther Samson and Aurélie Couture-Boissinot had the valuable opportunity to meet with Mrs. Michaëlle Jean.

Other alumni – Pierre-Luc Lefrançois, Geneviève Plourde, Véronique Demers, Catherine Fortin Lauzier and Stuart Kenis – also took part in the evening.

“It was a privilege for the group to participate in such an historical event, says Augusta Acquah, past participant of the 2005-2006 British Columbia/South Africa program and member of Canada World Youth’s board of directors. “It was also a great opportunity to meet other CWY alumni!”

The evening was part of several festivities held to launch Quebec City’s 400th anniversary and mark July 3rd, the date when Samuel de Champlain, who came from France, decided to settle in Kébec, “where the river narrows,” in 1608.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean is already acquainted with the Canada World Youth program and its tremendous impact on young people. In December 2006, she had the opportunity to meet with CWY volunteers in Cape Town, while officially touring South Africa.

Visit the Web site of Quebec City’s 400th anniversary festivities