Media Advisory - Governor General Presents - 43 Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)

OTTAWA, Dec. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) to 43 recipients from various sectors across the country on Friday, December 11, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. On this occasion, the Governor General will present 5 Meritorious Service Crosses and 38 Meritorious Service Medals.

"I'm very proud to present the Meritorious Service Decorations to a growing community of deserving recipients," said the Governor General. "In recognizing exceptional deeds that have strengthened our society, this honour celebrates the efforts of some remarkable Canadians while inspiring others to achieve similar heights."

About the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)
The Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a cross and a medal. Created in 1991, the Civil Division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brought honour to their community or to Canada. For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit www.gg.ca/msd.  

The ceremony schedule, the list of recipients and their citations, as well as a fact sheet on the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) are attached.

Media wishing to cover this event are requested to confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and should arrive at the residence's main entrance no later than
10:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

 

CEREMONY SCHEDULE

10:30 a.m.:	Ceremony begins
	Remarks by the Governor General
	Governor General presents the decorations
11:40 p.m.:	Ceremony ends
12:00 p.m.:	Interviews with recipients

RECIPIENTS

MERITORIOUS SERVICE CROSS

Jean-François Archambault, M.S.C.	Candiac, Que.
Leena Tatiggaq Evic, M.S.C.	Iqaluit, NU
Robert Allston Fowler, M.S.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Mylène Paquette, M.S.C.	Montréal, Que.
Raymond Zahab, M.S.C.	Chelsea, Que.

Meritorious Service Medal

Sergeant Samuel Ernest Anderson, M.S.M.	Winnipeg, Man.
Frank George Hans Baillie, M.S.M.	Burlington, Ont.
Marc Balevi, M.S.M.	Hudson, Que.
Catherine P. Baylis, M.S.M.	Prince George, B.C.
Jessie M. Bowden, M.S.M.	Timberlea, N.S.
Bonnie Buxton, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Hélène Sage Josée Campbell, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
James Casey, M.S.M.	Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Frédéric G. Cassir, M.S.M.	Beaconsfield, Que.
Hubert Chrétien, M.S.M.	Gatineau, Que.
Mark Cohon, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Sergeant John Allen Comeau, M.S.M.	N/A
Andrew Cottrell, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Superintendent Stephen Covey, M.S.M.	N/A
Melissa Emblin, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.
Robert Fetherstonhaugh, M.S.M.	Dorval, Que.
Allison A. Fisher, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
L. Jean Fournier, M.S.M.	Trois-Rivières, Que.
Sergeant James J. Giczi, M.S.M.	Whitehorse, Y.T.
Joé Juneau, M.S.M.	Saint-Raymond, Que.
Gregory M. Lagacé, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Jenna Brianne Lambert, M.S.M.	Kingston, Ont.
Kenneth Randal MacLeod, M.S.M.	Moncton, N.B.
Paul Nguyen, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Marie-Élaine Patenaude, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.
Sergeant David A. Patterson, M.S.M.	N/A
Luca Patuelli, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.
Brian Philcox, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Owen Maxwell Rees, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Véronique Rivest, M.S.M.	Gatineau, Que.
Louise Russo, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Tom Sampson, M.S.M.	Chestermere, Alta.
Kimberley D. Sutherland, M.S.M.	Regina, Sask.
Lloyd Allan Swick, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Jowi Taylor, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Rebecca Veevee, M.S.M.	Iqaluit, NU and Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon, Que.
Grégoire Charles Webber, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Ruslana A. Wrzesnewskyj, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.

CITATIONS

MERITORIOUS SERVICE CROSS

Jean-François Archambault, M.S.C.
Candiac, Quebec

Founding president of La Tablée des Chefs, Jean-François Archambault is dedicated to reducing food waste and poverty by linking food surplus producers with food banks, shelters and soup kitchens. Through his socially responsible work and business innovation, he empowers youth to adopt healthy eating habits and provides many Canadians in need with nourishing meals.

Leena Tatiggaq Evic, M.S.C.
Iqaluit, Nunavut

Leena Tatiggaq Evic created the Pirurvik Centre for Inuit Language, Culture and Wellbeing, which offers courses in Inuktitut as well as educational resources and ongoing professional support. More recently, she founded Ingalangaittukuurvik, a doctoral program that aims to capture, maintain and restore Inuit traditional knowledge and language. Thanks to her commitment and business acumen, these unique, transformative programs have led Inuit people to regain their language, culture and identity.

Robert Allston Fowler, M.S.C.
Toronto, Ontario

A critical care physician and an academic researcher, Dr. Robert Fowler played an integral role in the global response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa. Through his work with the World Health Organization clinical team, he contributed to a better understanding of the disease, improved treatment of patients and a change in how the outbreak was managed. The results of his work led to countless saved lives.

Mylène Paquette, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec

In 2013, Mylène Paquette became the first person to row solo across the North Atlantic Ocean, from Canada to France. The remarkable courage and perseverance she showed throughout her arduous journey has motivated others to overcome fears and barriers, and to commit themselves to physical fitness.  Her story is a source of pride and inspiration for many people in Canada and overseas.

Raymond Zahab, M.S.C.
Chelsea, Quebec

The founder of impossible2Possible and an ultra-marathon runner, Ray Zahab empowers youth to serve as ambassadors on expeditions through the world's toughest geographies. He also engages with thousands of classroom students, advocating a message of global interconnection, and inspires them to take an active role in international issues.

Meritorious Service Medal

Sergeant Samuel Ernest Anderson, M.S.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

As the driving force behind the Manitoba Moose Aboriginal Youth Follow Your Dreams Hockey Day, RCMP Sergeant Samuel Anderson has built positive relationships between Aboriginal youth and the RCMP. The annual event brings together Aboriginal youth and their families, members of the RCMP and other partners for a Manitoba Moose hockey game. It also showcases Aboriginal role models and youth recognition awards, and promotes key messages about healthy lifestyle choices.

Frank George Hans Baillie, M.S.M.
Burlington, Ontario

Dr. Frank Baillie developed and implemented CritiCall Ontario, a 24-hour-a-day emergency referral service for physicians across the province. The system identifies on-call specialists in more than 55 specialities, and also lists bed availability at local hospitals and transportation options for patients. Under his leadership, the program leveraged technology to decrease wait times and improve access to care.

Marc Balevi, M.S.M.
Hudson, Quebec
Robert Fetherstonhaugh, M.S.M.
Dorval, Quebec

Marc Balevi and Robert Fetherstonhaugh, co-founders of Canada Cycles for Kids, raised funds for sick children through repeated cross-country bicycle treks in support of The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. Through their perseverance, they succeeded in granting wishes to many children, and in bringing them joy, laughter and happy memories. 

Catherine P. Baylis, M.S.M.
Prince George, British Columbia

As the founder of the Fire Pit Cultural Centre and a member of the Northern Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Task Force, Catherine Baylis has made a difference in the lives of many people living on the streets. The Centre provides a safe, spiritual and educational place for Aboriginal people to reconnect with their culture and to ultimately better their lives.

Jessie M. Bowden, M.S.M.
Timberlea, Nova Scotia

As the publisher and CEO of the Teens Now Talk magazine, Jessie Bowden has raised teens' awareness, confidence and motivation by giving them an opportunity to find their authentic authorial voice. With sustained engagement, she has empowered teens to discover new tools and resourceful outlets through creative writing, expression and art.

Bonnie Buxton, M.S.M.
Brian Philcox, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

In 1999, Bonnie Buxton and Brian Philcox established FASworld Canada as a way to raise awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Through their commitment and advocacy work, they created a support network for caregivers, developed better services for individuals and families affected by FAS in Canada and abroad, and established International FAS Day on September 9.

Hélène Sage Josée Campbell, M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Hélène Campbell is a champion of organ and tissue donation. Diagnosed with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a fatal lung disease—at only 20 years old, she underwent a double lung transplant that saved her life. Through her innovative social media campaigning, she has raised public awareness of the donor process, increased the number of registered donors, and fundraised to help patients on the organ transplant waiting list and their families.

James Casey, M.S.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

As its president and CEO, James Casey transformed Padinox Inc. from a failing company into a booming Island business with over 200 employees. Through his entrepreneurial skill and leadership, he demonstrated dedication and commitment to securing employment in a region with low employment opportunities, and to making the Paderno cookware brand known across North America.

Frédéric G. Cassir, M.S.M.
Beaconsfield, Quebec

Frédéric Cassir was the driving force behind the 10-cent donation from every McDonald's Happy Meal sold across the country to support Ronald McDonald House, which reunites children undergoing medical treatment with their families under one roof. His civic-mindedness has brought comfort to sick children and has also given Canadians an opportunity to support this worthy cause.

Hubert Chrétien, M.S.M.
Gatineau, Quebec

Hubert Chrétien is a SCUBA trainer and founding president of Freedom at Depth Canada, the sole organization in the country with a recognized SCUBA diving certification program for persons with disabilities. He has bolstered the confidence and self-esteem of his students from around the world by breaking down barriers that previously kept them from participating in this mainstream sport.

Mark Cohon, O.Ont., M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

As the commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), Mark Cohon developed This is Our League, the CFL's new brand. He also expanded the league to other cities across the country, and dramatically increased game attendance rates. Through his innovative vision, he rejuvenated the CFL and brought Canadians together to celebrate the sport's unique place in our history and culture.

Sergeant John Allen Comeau, M.S.M.
Superintendent Stephen Covey, M.S.M.                  
Sergeant David A. Patterson, M.S.M.

RCMP Superintendent Stephen Covey and sergeants Allen Comeau and Dave Patterson played a crucial role in the Chabanel project, a complex operation that involved Canadian and international partners. Their outstanding service in tough circumstances led to the dismantling of the largest drug import cell in Canada and the subsequent arrest of the criminals involved. Thanks to their efforts, over 22 500 kilograms of illegal narcotics were kept off Canada's streets. 

Andrew Cottrell, M.S.M
Ruslana A. Wrzesnewskyj, M.S.M.     
Toronto, Ontario

In 1994, Andy Cottrell and Ruslana Wrzesnewskyj initiated Help Us Help the Children, a project dedicated to improving the quality of life of orphan children in Ukraine. Over the years, they have provided Ukrainian youth in institutional care with access to school supplies, educational camps and scholarship programs. Their efforts empowered many Ukrainian children to better their lives.

Melissa Emblin, M.S.M.
Marie-Élaine Patenaude, M.S.M.
Luca Patuelli, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Sharing a passion for dance and an interest in recreational programs for youth with special needs, Melissa Emblin, Marie-Élaine Patenaude and Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli founded Project RAD (Réservé aux danseurs). This organization gives people with various disabilities an opportunity to take urban dance classes. They also train dance instructors, help existing dance studios become more accessible to special needs clientele, and deliver dance workshops in schools, youth centres and hospitals.

Allison A. Fisher, O.Ont., M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

As the executive director of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, Allison Fisher has brought together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to build healthy and inclusive communities. Under her leadership, the Centre has experienced significant growth and has become a place of belonging and a caring community for Ottawa's Aboriginal population.

L. Jean Fournier, C.M., C.Q., M.S.M.
Trois-Rivières, Quebec

For the past 11 years, Jean Fournier has volunteered as chair of the Canadian Armed Forces Liaison Council for Quebec. In this role, he was instrumental in changing Quebec's Act respecting labour standards to provide job protection to Quebec reservists and in raising public awareness of the Reserve Force's vital role in protecting our country.

Sergeant James J. Giczi, M.S.M.
Whitehorse, Yukon

RCMP Sergeant James Giczi identified the need for a central resource to conduct searches for tire mark matches. Through countless hours of work on his own time, he conceptualized, built and maintained a comprehensive database. Thanks to his efforts, the database is now used regularly by the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Sûreté du Québec and other municipal police services.

Joé Juneau, M.S.M.
Saint-Raymond, Quebec

Former National Hockey League player Joé Juneau was the driving force behind the creation of the Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Program, which encourages Inuit youth to pursue their studies, develop life skills and stay healthy. Thanks to his dedication, kids are inspired to build a better future for themselves. The program is now available in all 14 villages throughout Nunavik and has over 600 participating youth.

Gregory M. Lagacé, M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Gregory Lagacé is the co-founder and manager of Soldier On, a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports active members and veterans while they overcome illness or injury. Through physical activities and sports, Soldier On has helped members develop new skills and build confidence in their abilities. It has also given Canadians a direct way to support their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. 

Jenna Brianne Lambert, M.S.M.
Kingston, Ontario

At the age of 15, Jenna Lambert became the first woman with a physical disability to complete a solo swim of 34 kilometres across Lake Ontario. Through her courage and determination, she not only raised money for and awareness of the YMCA's Y Knot Abilities programs, but also inspired children and youth with physical disabilities to surpass their limitations.

Kenneth Randal MacLeod, M.S.M.
Moncton, New Brunswick

As the founder of Sistema New Brunswick, Kenneth Randal MacLeod has instilled the joy of playing music in many disadvantaged children from urban and rural milieus. By offering free music lessons and instruments, he has not only given children the opportunity to learn new skills, but he has also inspired them to set new goals in life.

Paul Nguyen, M.S.M., O.M.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Committed to breaking down attitudinal barriers isolating the Jane–Finch community, a low-income, ethnically diverse area in Toronto, Paul Nguyen created an inspirational website.  Through the site, as well as through his collaborative work with the police and other community partners, he has empowered the community by giving a voice to marginalized residents, creating a sense of pride, and fostering positive change.

Owen Maxwell Rees, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Grégoire Charles Webber, M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

After two years of groundwork, Supreme Court law clerks Owen Rees and Grégoire Webber established the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute as a resource for both novice and experienced counsel appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The Institute increases the effectiveness and the quality of advocacy before the Court, and ultimately improves access to justice for all Canadians.

Véronique Rivest, M.S.M.
Gatineau, Quebec

Winner of several prestigious sommelier awards, Véronique Rivest is the first woman to ever make the podium of the World's Best Sommelier award. Through her passion and success, she has encouraged other women to join this previously male-dominated profession and has shared her knowledge through wine education in Canada and beyond.

Louise Russo, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A survivor of a shooting that left her paralysed, Louise Russo founded Working Against Violence Everywhere (W.A.V.E). Every year, five Louise Russo Youth Awards and three Leadership Awards in the form of bursaries are given to students for their anti-violence initiatives. Through her immense courage and commitment, she has inspired many people to take action in building safer communities.

Tom Sampson, M.S.M.
Chestermere, Alberta

Tom Sampson, of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, served as the Emergency Operations Centre manager during the Slave Lake wildfire crisis in 2011. He not only made the right decisions under demanding circumstances, but also helped evacuees return safely to their homes and businesses much sooner than anticipated.

Kimberley D. Sutherland, M.S.M.
Regina, Saskatchewan

For the past 18 years, Kim Sutherland has shown enthusiasm and commitment in providing  at-risk youth with support to better their lives. He founded Street Culture Kidz Project in 1997; since then, the organization has been providing housing, work experience, skill development and education programming to vulnerable youth.

Lloyd Allan Swick, M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario

Lloyd Allan Swick, a veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War, was the driving force behind the Animals in War Dedication Project, which commemorates the sacrifices made by animals used by Canadian Armed Forces personnel in times of war. The memorial was unveiled in 2012, as part of Ottawa's national monuments.

Jowi Taylor, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Jowi Taylor is the driving force behind the Six String Nation and its centrepiece, the Voyageur guitar. He has travelled coast to coast to coast with this unique, handcrafted symbol of Canada's rich cultural diversity. With each stop at schools, community centres and public events, Canadians are invited to pose or perform with Voyageur and to come together in a celebration of music and song.

Rebecca Veevee, M.S.M.
Iqaluit, Nunavut and Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon, Quebec

Dedicated to promoting a return to traditional Inuit foods, Rebecca Veevee is the host and chef of the popular Inuit TV cooking show "Niqitsiat", which means "healthy cooking" in Inuktituk. Through her program, she has demonstrated a commitment to combatting a growing epidemic of diseases related to poor nutrition in northern communities.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS (CIVIL DIVISION) FACT SHEET

Background

Meritorious Service Decorations recognize individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or activity over a limited period of time that has brought honour to their community or to Canada.

Eligibility and Nomination

Any Canadian or non-Canadian whose accomplishments or activities over a limited period of time have demonstrated an outstanding level of service or set an exemplary standard of achievement and have brought honour or benefit to Canada can be recognized.

Anyone may nominate an individual for the Civil Division of the Meritorious Service Decorations. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted.

Members of the public are invited to submit nominations throughout the year at www.gg.ca/msd. Nominations will be received by the Chancellery of Honours and reviewed by the MSD (Civil Division) Advisory Committee, which will then make recommendations to the governor general. All nominations are kept confidential to respect privacy and to avoid disappointment if the nominee is not selected. Nominators and others involved in the process are asked to respect this policy.

Description

Created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to our country. The cross was originally created in 1984, for members of the military. In 1991, a medal was added to the military division, and both the cross and medal were introduced for civilians.

The Meritorious Service Cross is a silver Greek cross, ends splayed and convexed, bearing the Royal Crown: on one side appears a maple leaf within a circle and a laurel wreath between the arms, and on the other appears the Royal Cypher, and within a double circle the inscription MERITORIOUS SERVICE MÉRITOIRE.

The Meritorious Service Medal is a circular silver medal bearing the Royal Crown: on one side of which appears the design of the Cross, and on the other appears the Royal Cypher, and within a double circle the inscription MERITORIOUS SERVICE MÉRITOIRE.

SOURCE Governor General

Emily Keogh, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected], Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter