‘It is truly Canadian’: Canada C3 concludes 150 day expedition in Victoria on Saturday

CHEK

WATCH: The Canada C3 concludes a 150 day expedition in Victoria on Saturday. Ceilidh Millar reports. 

A ship that is truly Canadian sailed into Brentwood Bay on Friday.

The Canada C3 departed from Toronto nearly five months ago on a commemorative expedition through the Northwest Passage.

The retired icebreaker will make its final stop in Victoria tomorrow on the 150th day of a journey from coast to coast.

“It just seemed like a no-brainer to do a journey that would connect all of our coastlines” said expedition leader Geoff Green.

Canadian musicians, artists, scientists, writers, and Indigenous elders were some of the participants selected to be part of the voyage to celebrate Canada 150.

“Everyone has this kind, open willingness to learn and listen,” said youth ambassador Morgan Lirette. “It’s really awesome to see that is something that is truly Canadian from coast to coast.”

Participants could join at least one of the fifteen legs of the expedition across Canada.

“It has been about the environment, science, youth and diversity of the people and the culture in this country” explained Green.

Aboard the ship is the first-ever legacy room dedicated to the late Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack.

“It’s a place to discuss reconciliation,” said Green. “A sacred place where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians can come together.”

“We’ve now seen other legacy rooms popping up across the country since we’ve left Toronto.”

Science is also a main focus on the journey with 23 research projects submitted by various labs across the country.

Chief Scientist Dr. Kristi Miller led one of the final science excursions in Brentwood Bay.

“We always had the goal to collect 100 samples,” explained Miller. “We’re celebrating because today we’ll get that 100th sample.”

As the journey wraps up in Victoria on Saturday, Green says the conversation on the future of Canada is only just beginning.

“This is to celebrate Canada but there is also a desire to make our country better” he said.

The expedition will conclude at the Wharf Street Docks in Victoria at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, followed by speeches and musical performances at noon.

Ceilidh MillarCeilidh Millar

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!