The Commissioners
In 2005, the Government of Canada created the position of Federal Commissioner for Québec City’s 400th anniversary and the position of Federal Commissioner for Aboriginal Affairs in order to coordinate federal activities and involvement for the Québec City's 400th anniversary celebrations.
Denis Racine, Federal Commissioner
Since December 2007, Mr. Denis Racine has assumed the duties of Federal Commissioner and Director General of the Secretariat for the 400th Anniversary of Québec City within the Department of Canadian Heritage.
As Commissioner, Mr. Racine is responsible for liaising with the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec, the provincial commissioner and the Québec City’s Commisioner as well as other various partners playing a key role in Québec City’s 400th Anniversary celebrations. Mr. Racine also chairs a committee of senior federal public servants from the Québec region that oversees the government of Canada’s participation in the activities marking the 400th anniversary of Québec City.
In addition to his functions as Federal Commissioner, Mr. Racine is responsible for the activities of the Secretariat for the 400th anniversary of Québec City within the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Secretariat has the mandate to coordinate federal activity in this historic anniversary.
Since joining the Department of Canadian Heritage, Mr. Racine has had the opportunity to increase his experience in the area of high profile events while working with the Celebration, Commemoration and Learning Directorate. He has also occupied the position of Director of the Saskatchewan and North-West Territories District.
Luc Lainé, Federal Commissioner for Aboriginal Affairs
In July 2005, the Government of Canada appointed Mr. Luc Lainé as Federal Commissioner for Aboriginal Affairs. Mr. Lainé works closely with the First Nations to ensure their active participation in Québec City's 400th anniversary celebrations.
Mr. Lainé, a graduate of Université Laval with a degree in sociology, is a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation from Wendake. He worked in the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development from 1978 to 1985, as Regional Officer for Community Planning with First Nations across Quebec. He was the Deputy Director of the Public Participation Directorate, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. He also worked for the Protocol Office at the Department of Foreign Affairs as visit officer for foreign dignitaries and as Public Affairs Program officer for Latin America and the West Indies.
Mr. Lainé is a former Associate Chief for the electoral system and claims within the Huron Wendat Nation Council. He is President of an Aboriginal communications and consulting company that deals with First Nations issues and prospects in Canada. He is also the President of a company that specializes in artistic and cultural productions.
