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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Cadets and local leadership were among the Fort Simpson residents to meet the commander of Joint Task Force North during his brief visit to Fort Simpson on Feb. 10.

Brig.-Gen. Guy Hamel, left, talks with Cadet Lance-Cpl. Quinlan Kidd, right, during his Feb. 10 visit while George Tuccaro, the commissioner of the Northwest Territories, speaks with Lance-Cpl. William Alger and Warrant Officer Tyler Pilling. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The village was the last stop on a two-day outreach tour conducted by Brig.-Gen. Guy Hamel. The tour also included Lutsel K'e, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, Wekweeti and Tulita.

Upon arriving in Fort Simpson late Friday afternoon, Hamel and his retinue, including George Tuccaro, the commissioner of the Northwest Territories, attended a meet and greet organized by the Village of Fort Simpson.

During the event, Hamel presented local Canadian Ranger Sgt. Mike Byland with a commander's coin for his outstanding contribution to Canada.

Mayor Sean Whelly, who was in attendance, said the tour was a good way for the village to familiarize itself with the emergency services Joint Task Force North (JTFN) provides in the case of an extreme emergency.

"I think that it's something we're not too aware of, the role they would play," he said.

Whelly said it was also good that the tour is fostering the growth of groups in the community such as the cadets, a program he supports.

Following the meet and greet, Hamel went to Thomas Simpson School to watch a parade conducted by 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Following the parade, Hamel presented three cadets with JTFN toques in recognition of their achievements. The recipients included Cadet Master-Cpl. Janelle Bruneau for dedication to personal fitness, Lance-Cpl. Quinlan Kidd for outstanding participation and joining the corps at age 16, and Lance-Cpl. Donovan Punch for leadership in cadet judo.

Hamel also presided over the promotion of Robert Gallant, the corps' training officer, to captain from the rank of lieutenant.

Having also visited the corps during a tour last February, Hamel said he was pleased to see new members are joining the group.

"You can always feel the pride of the cadets that participate in the program," he said.

Hamel said the purpose of the outreach tours are to allow JTFN to better understand the communities it serves and to give the communities a chance to learn about JTFN in return.

"The highlight is to meet people," he said.

During this tour, Hamel met with the leadership of the communities and elders where possible as well as Canadian Rangers, Junior Canadian Rangers and cadets. The tours allow the commander of JTFN to have face-to-face interactions with community members and to create relationships and build trust, Hamel said.

Hamel said it was a privilege to have Tuccaro accompany him on the tour. Hamel said Tuccaro shared with him information about each of the communities they visited.

Tuccaro said he used the tour as a chance to pay homage to the communities for their commitment to the Canadian Rangers, Junior Canadian Rangers and cadet programs.

"I wear the Ranger hoodie with a great deal of pride," he said.

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