Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the Fort Simpson Army Cadet Corps and how proud I am of them.
Congratulations to the cadets and staff of the 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps of Fort Simpson on their recent Interprovincial Cadet Exchange trip to Hamilton, Ontario. An Interprovincial Cadet Exchange is an activity in which one cadet corps visits another corp from another area of Canada. The aims of the exchange are to expose cadets to the multicultural composition of Canada and to promote active living. The exchanges are fully funded by the regional cadet support unit, which for all northern corps is located in Whitehorse, Yukon.
From February 24th to March 1st of this year the Fort Simpson cadets were hosted in Hamilton, Ontario, by cadets of the 2814 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Cadets from both corps spent their days together touring the sites of southern Ontario. Highlights included Niagara Falls, a swim park, Canadian Heritage War Plane Museum, a shopping mall, the Toronto Zoo and the famous CN Tower.
In addition to many activities, the cadets dined together, giving the groups plenty of time to mingle, talk, and discover what they had in common. Cadet Warrant Officer Jennifer Gast reflected: “We went to interact with other cadets. I enjoyed the meals best because we got to meet everyone. A few had stereotypes of Northerners and we were happy to disillusion them.” Cadet Corporal Devon Horassi shared his viewpoint: “It was fun. I had a great time at the House of Frankenstein in Niagara Falls. The other cadets were just like us. They were surprised that we dressed the same.” For Corporal Robert Harold: “The trip was a chance to meet new people and see what their lives are like. The CN Tower’s glass floor was the best.” He went on to add: “The zoo was fun too. We got lost and found kangaroos.”
The 27 cadets were accompanied on the exchange by the commanding officer, Lieutenant Steve Nicoll; and Lieutenant Diane Porter. Congratulations to them.
The exchange is just one element of a highly successful army cadet program in Fort Simpson. Thirty-four cadets are registered with the corps, and a staff of six volunteers. Furthermore, two cadets were recently selected from Fort Simpson and are currently participating at the National Biathlon Championship in Val Cartier, Quebec.
Well done to the cadets of the 2860 Fort Simpson. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
