TORONTO, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley are pleased to host a DIAMOND JUBILEE GALA to present Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals to members of the Order of Canada residing in Ontario and members of the Order of Ontario. More than 600 medals will be presented at Roy Thomson Hall on Monday June 18, 2012.
In keeping with the tradition of honouring Her Majesty's milestone years of service, this commemorative medal has been created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the Throne. The medal also serves to honour the contributions and achievements made by Canadians from all sectors of society.
Their Honours will be joined by Their Excellencies, Governor General David Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. A number of prominent Canadians will also act as distinguished medal presenters to ensure that each of their peers receives his or her medal in a dignified and meaningful way.
Following the medal presentation, guests will enjoy a short performance by some of Canada's best known performers, including Susan Aglukark, Molly Johnson, Ben Heppner and Gordon Lightfoot, themselves members of the Order of Canada.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
| Who: | Their Excellencies The Right Hon. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Mrs. Sharon Johnston |
| Their Honours The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley |
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| Members of the Order of Canada residing in Ontario | |
| Members of the Order of Ontario | |
| What: | Red carpet arrival of honourees |
| Where: | Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto |
| When: | Monday, June 18, 2012, 6:45pm |
BACKGROUNDER
Event Overview
In keeping with the tradition of honouring Her Majesty's milestone years of service, a commemorative medal has been created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the Throne. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal also serves to honour the contributions and achievements made by Canadians from all sectors of society. Approximately 60,000 medals have been struck for distribution to deserving citizens across Canada. This commemorative medal is part of the Canadian Honours System.
In order to ensure that medals are presented with deserved dignity and respect, The Governor General and The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario have joined together to invite all living members of the Order of Canada in Ontario and the Order of Ontario, to receive their medals at a gala celebration at Roy Thomson Hall.
A number of prominent Canadians have been enlisted as distinguished ambassadors to join Their Excellencies and Their Honours in the rotunda at Roy Thomson Hall to present Diamond Jubilee Medals to their peers. Each will present a medal to no more than 35 recipients, to ensure a personal experience. After receiving the medal, guests will find their seats in the theatre where they will enjoy 45 minutes of entertainment by some of Canada's best known artists, including Susan Aglukark, Molly Johnson, Ben Heppner and Gordon Lightfoot, themselves members of the Order of Canada.
Scenario
| 18:30 - 18:45 | Presenters and performers arrive and are escorted to their dressing rooms |
| 18:45 | Military bands play on Simcoe Street; guests begin to arrive on the red carpet outside RTH. |
| Their Excellencies the Governor General and Mrs. Johnston arrive, greeted by Their Honours and Mr. Charles Cutts |
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| Inside | Medal presenters are escorted to one of 23 stations throughout the rotunda |
| 19:00 | Doors open at RTH |
| 19:00 - 20:00 | Guests register, receive a presentation card and are directed to the appropriate medal station |
| Recipients present their card to the Aide de Camp | |
| Aide de Camp introduces the recipient (and their guest) to the medal presenter | |
| An official photo is taken as the recipient receives the medal. The presentation card is filed to ensure the recipients receive their photo. Recipients and guests receive their seating assignments (determined randomly) | |
| AdeCs and ushers will encourage recipients and their guest to take their seats in the theatre immediately following presentation of the medal. |
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| 20:00 - 20:10 | Presentation ceremonies are complete. Theatre bells and Military bugler encourage audience to take their seats |
| 20:15 | Entertainment begins |
Medal Presenters
His Excellency the Right Hon. David Johnston was installed as the 28th governor general of Canada on October 1, 2010. He has since travelled widely across Canada, speaking with Canadians about the importance of giving, learning, innovation and family. His Excellency was born and raised in northern Ontario. His twin passions for learning and sport led to an undergraduate degree at Harvard as well as his induction, as a hockey player, into Harvard's Athletic Hall of Fame; to law degrees at the universities of Cambridge and Queen's; and to a lifelong dedication to higher education. During his 44-year academic career, he served as dean of the Law School at the University of Western Ontario, in London; as principal of McGill University, in Montréal; and as president of the University of Waterloo. He served on many provincial and federal task forces and committees, as well as on the boards of a number of companies. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1988 and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1997.
His Honour the Hon. David C. Onley became Ontario's 28th Lieutenant Governor in 2007 after a distinguished career as a broadcaster and author. Prior to his appointment, he worked with CityTV for twenty-two years, becoming Canada's first senior newscaster with a visible disability. In his role as Lieutenant Governor, he has been a constant champion of accessibility.
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Her Honour Ruth Ann Onley
The Hon. James K. Bartleman
The Hon. Henry N.R. Jackman
The Hon. Chief Justice Warren K. Winkler
The Hon. Roy McMurtry
The Hon. Jean Augustine
Ms. Susan Aglukark
Dr. Roberta Bondar
Mr. George Chuvalo
Mr. Michael "Pinball" Clemons
Ms. Shirley Douglas
Ms. Roberta Jamieson
Mr. Norman Jewison
Ms. Molly Johnson
Mr. Craig Kielberger
Mr. Marc Kielberger
Mr. Peter Mansbridge
Mr. David Mirvish
Mr. Gordon Pinsent
Mr. Lloyd Robertson
Ms. Veronica Tennant
Master of Ceremonies
Peter Mansbridge has enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism, and has been the face of CBC's nightly news program The National since 1988. He began his career with CBC Radio in 1968 in Churchill Manitoba, before moving to CBC television in 1972. Since then, he has won twelve Gemini awards for excellence in broadcast journalism. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008.
Performers
Canadian Children's Opera Company
Morningstar River Singers and Dancers
National Film Board of Canada
Susan Aglukark
Molly Johnson
Craig and Marc Kielburger
Ben Heppner
Stuart McLean
Gordon Lightfoot
Famous People Players
Military Participants
32 Canadian Brigade Group Band
Her Majesty's Canadian Ship York Band
The Governor General's Horse Guard Cavalry
Ishbel Halliday
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
416-325-7789
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