Governor General Recognizes Heroic Acts and Exceptional Service at the Scouts
Canada National Awards Ceremony

OTTAWA, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, joined Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors for Scouts Canada, in acknowledging recipients of the 2010 National Awards at a ceremony held in the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill.  The Governor General, in his capacity as Patron Scout of Scouts Canada, will present awards to two recipients during the event.  Fourteen other extraordinary Scouting members, who received Scouts Canada's highest awards in the past few years, will also be acknowledged during the same ceremony.  Each of the awards carries an incredible story of courage, heroism, personal achievement and outstanding service [see attached factsheet for details]. 

Also in attendance at the special ceremony were His Majesty King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, Honourary President of the World Scout Foundation, Her Majesty Queen Silvia, the Honourable Senator Donald H. Oliver, Speaker Pro Tempore, the Honourable Senator Consiglio Di Nino and Janet Yale, Executive Commissioner and CEO of Scouts Canada. The event was held in conjunction with the 60th World Baden-Powell Fellowship Event and included attendance of Scouting supporters from around the world.

The National Awards recipients include:  three (3) youth members who exemplify outstanding courage in the face of personal difficulties; three (3) youth members and three (3) adults who are being recognized for acts of gallantry and meritorious conduct; and, seven (7) adult members of Scouting who have given outstanding service to Scouting at the provincial, national and international levels of the movement.

"Whether standing up to knife-wielding bullies, demonstrating quick thinking that saves a young brother's life, creating calm in the midst of a crisis or working tirelessly to serve your community - these are the workings of everyday heroes that we want to stop and recognize," explained Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors for Scouts Canada.  "I'm proud of all the recipients of this year's National Awards, but more than anything I'm proud that Scouts Canada continues to play a vital role in promoting each person's ability to make a difference in their community."

About Scouts Canada

Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, offers exciting programs for male and female youth ages 5 to 26. Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere.  Along the way, these young people develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world.  For millions of Canadians, Scouts has been the start of something great.  Approximately 100,000 active members enjoy Scouts Canada's programs, which are provided by 25,000 caring and dedicated volunteers. We are members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which has grown to 30 million members in 217 countries and territories. 

2010 Recipients of Scouts Canada's
National Awards Ceremony

JACK CORNWELL DECORATION (For having undergone great suffering in a Heroic Manner)

This decoration bears the name of a British Scout who in 1916, at the age of 16, served in the Royal Navy at the Battle of Jutland. He was mortally wounded in this action, but heroically remained at his post, with other dead and dying around him. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. To perpetuate his memory, the Jack Cornwell Decoration was instituted to honour those in Scouting who have undergone great suffering in a heroic manner.  The recipients of this decoration have shown the kind of courage in the face of great difficulty that is worthy of this recognition.

MISS KYLIE NEEDHAM - CALGARY, ALBERTA (At age 13)

Kylie rarely missed a meeting despite continuing chemotherapy treatments. She is an excellent youth leader, outgoing and kind, and always with a ready smile. Kylie is truly an inspiration to all.

MR. MATTHEW JOHN NUTTER - KINGSTON, NEW BRUNSWICK (At age 13)

Despite his obvious challenges, Matthew participates with the other youth in the program. He is an inspiration to them. Matthew remains positive and enthusiastic, and shows a lot of 'heart'. Matthew is to be complimented on his initiative of using his challenges to help educate others to appreciate the challenged and to play safe.

MR. EVAN SIMMS - NEPEAN, ONTARIO (At age 11)

Evan has continued to do his best despite his numerous medical problems. Evan's ready smile, happy disposition, and positive outlook have been an inspiration to others.  As his Akela says, "Evan is a true leader and an example for all of us."

SILVER CROSS (For Gallantry)

MR. BRANDON MICHAEL ELLIS - WINDSOR, ONTARIO (At age 13)

Brandon is to be commended for the brave act of challenging a youth who was wielding a knife and threatening two girls. Brandon's willingness to intervene may have prevented serious injury to the girls and it certainly put him at risk. It is not easy to stand up to bullying. Society needs more youth like Brandon.

MR. JOSEPH HINE - MISSION, BRITISH COLUMBIA (At age 13)

Joseph's quick thinking, awareness and courage allowed him to save both his own life, and that of his younger brother. He is to be commended for his heroic efforts and bravery under extreme duress. Joseph recognized a dangerous situation and stepped out to grab and toss his brother out of harm's way.  He willingly risked his own life to save his brother. Fortunately, as a result of Joseph's action, both were safe.

BRONZE CROSS (For Gallantry with Moderate Risk)

MR. AARON ROSS MacINTYRE - HAMMONDS PLAINS, NOVA SCOTIA

Aaron is commended for his selfless act of donating a kidney to a person in need, despite the risk to himself.

MR. KEITH ALAN PATRICK NUNN - TORONTO, ONTARIO

Keith performed the rescue of a canoeist by going in the water, despite the strong current, to assist her to safety on shore. Keith was at great personal risk, not only from the current, but from the limbs of the tree that had overturned the canoe. Keith remained in the water to transfer equipment and right the canoe, with the help of others.

MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS CONDUCT (For Especially Meritorious Conduct Not Involving Heroism or Loss of Life)

MISS ELIZABETH MATHESON - SAINT ANDREWS, NEW BRUNSWICK (At age 14)

Being involved in a car accident, Elizabeth remained calm and reassuring to others in the car. Elizabeth illustrated quick thinking and an innovative approach that probably saved her mother and brother from a potentially disastrous result.

MR. GARY EDVEN NIELSEN - LEDUC, ALBERTA

When Gary discovered an emergency, he reacted quickly. With composure, he took active control of the situation. Gary preformed appropriate procedures until the paramedics arrived to take over.

SILVER FOX (For Service of the Most Exceptional Character to Scouting in the International Field, Performed by Persons Who Are Not Members of Scouts Canada)

MR. LARS KOLIND - DENMARK

Lars has given service of the most exceptional character to Scouting in the international field through his role as Chair of the World Scout Foundation.

MR. SCOTT TEARE - IRVING, TEXAS, USA

Scott has given service of the most exceptional character to Scouting in the international field through his role as Director for International Division of the Boy Scouts of America.

SILVER WOLF (For service of the most exceptional character to Scouting, normally of National importance)

MR. GLENN ARMSTRONG - WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

Glenn has devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to his role, as former Chief Commissioner. He is a tremendous ambassador for Scouting. Glenn is an extraordinary person who, through his passion for Scouting and youth, has truly provided exceptional leadership for Scouting at the National and World level.

MR. ALAN GRIFFIN - NEPEAN, ONTARIO

Alan has given dedicated service of the most exceptional character to Scouting over many, many years since his youth. As a role model, he has inspired countless youth, leaders and volunteers. Of particular note is Alan's significant role as Curator in the on-going development and renewal of the Canadian Museum of Scouting at the National Office.

MR. ANTHONY (TONY) HUNG - NORTH YORK, ONTARIO

Tony continues to give exceptional service at the National level resulting in significant increases in membership. He has been instrumental in planning and executing Woodbadge training for leaders of diverse backgrounds. Tony has worked tirelessly promoting diversity and moving our diversity strategic directions into action.

MS. BEATRICE M. McCLELLAND - TORONTO, ONTARIO      

Bea has given countless hours of dedicated service to Scouting, especially at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital. Indeed, Bea's outreach has impacted the lives of youth and leaders across the country and around the world.

MR. JEFF SMITH - MONTREAL, QUEBEC

Jeff has provided exceptional service to Scouting through his service as Chair of the National Program Services Committee, as Deputy Executive Commissioner (Central) on the Operations Advisory Committee and as Chair of the Task Group for on-line registration. He also headed up two jamborees and was a team member at a third. Jeff also served as a member on the Committee on Co-operation between Scouts Canada and Les Association des Scouts du Canada.

For further information:

or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Franca Miraglia, Public Relations, Scouts Canada
647.967.4255   
[email protected]