Media Advisory - Governor General to Present 42 Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)

OTTAWA, Dec. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will present the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) to 42 recipients from various sectors across the country on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. On this occasion, the Governor General will present 19 Meritorious Service Crosses and 23 Meritorious Service Medals.

The Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. Their acts are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community. The best candidates are those who inspire others through their motivation to find solutions to specific and pressing needs or provide an important service to their community or country. For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit www.merit.gg.ca.   

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 asked to confirm their attendance with the
Rideau Hall Press Office, and should arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 10:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

Follow GGJuliePayette and RideauHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

CEREMONY SCHEDULE

 

10:30 a.m.:	Ceremony begins Remarks by the Governor General Governor General presents the decorations
11:15 a.m.:	Ceremony ends
11:30 a.m.:	Interviews with recipients

RECIPIENTS
MERITORIOUS SERVICE CROSS

Dominic Audet, M.S.C.	Montréal, Que.
Sakchin Bessette, M.S.C.	Montréal, Que.
Thomas Tak Kin Chau, M.S.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Sandra Elizabeth Clarke, M.S.C.	Ottawa, Ont.
Pierre Duez, M.S.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Christine J. Elliott, M.S.C.	Whitby, Ont.
The Honourable James M. Flaherty, P.C., M.S.C. (posthumous)	Whitby, Ont.
Éric Fournier, M.S.C.	Montréal, Que.
Bala Theresa (Angèle) Singareddy Gingras, M.S.C.	Gatineau, Que.
André Gingras, M.S.C.	Gatineau, Que.
Peg Herbert, M.S.C.	Ottawa, Ont.
Michael David Kaufman, M.S.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Gary Kobinger, O.M., M.S.C.	Winnipeg, Man.
Andrea Lorraine Lamont, M.S.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Justin Maloney, M.S.C.	Ottawa, Ont.
Joseph Maloney, M.S.C.	Markham, Ont. and Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
Robert Piché, M.S.C.	Montréal, Que.
Jason Rodi, M.S.C.	Montréal, Que.
Eric Wan, M.S.C.	Scarborough, Ont.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

Khaled Ahmad Almilaji, M.S.M.	Syria and Toronto, Ont.
David Christopher Batten, M.S.M.	Goodwood, Ont.
Dean Brinton, M.S.M.	St. John's, N.L.
Mark Joseph Cameron, M.B., M.S.M.	Hastings, Ont.
Nancy Campana, M.S.M.	Windsor, Ont.
Robert Campana, M.S.M.	Windsor, Ont.
Sergeant Paul Morley "Trapper" Cane, M.S.M., C.D. (Retired)	Tower Hill, N.B.
Ann Cavoukian, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Kevin Sze-Kin Chan, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Jay Dahman, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Jean Duchesneau, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.
Jean R. Fabi, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.
Constable Judith Falbo, M.S.M.	Cambridge, Ont.
Don Kilby, M.S.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Corporal Yannick Lebrun, M.S.M., C.D. (Retired)	Battersea, Ont.
Eric Bryan Lindros, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Travis Price, M.S.M.	Cambridge, N.S.
James Raffan, M.S.M.	Seeley's Bay, Ont.
Wilson Sanon, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.
Beverly Sembsmoen, M.S.M.	Carcross, Y.T.
Joshua Daniel Silvertown, M.S.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Mary Spencer, M.S.M.	Kashechewan and Wiarton, Ont.
Bernard Trottier, M.S.M.	Montréal, Que.

CITATIONS

MERITORIOUS SERVICE CROSS

Dominic Audet, M.S.C.
Sakchin Bessette, M.S.C.
Éric Fournier, M.S.C.
Jason Rodi, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec

Dominic Audet, Sakchin Bessette, Éric Fournier and Jason Rodi are the driving forces behind the international success of multimedia entertainment studio Moment Factory. Considered a touchstone in the design and production of immersive environments, Moment Factory has charmed millions of spectators with over 400 presentations and has showcased Canadian creativity both at home and abroad.

Thomas Tak Kin Chau, M.S.C.
Pierre Duez, M.S.C.
Andrea Lorraine Lamont, M.S.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Eric Wan, M.S.C.
Scarborough, Ontario

Tom Chau, Pierre Duez, Andrea Lamont and Eric Wan created the Virtual Music Instrument (VMI) at Toronto's Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. A software program that can be used with standard computer and video camera equipment, the VMI enables people with disabilities to experience the fulfillment of making music, often for the first time. Easily customizable, the program has been adapted for use by people of all ages with differing needs in many countries around the world.

Sandra Elizabeth Clarke, M.S.C.
Justin Maloney, M.S.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Through the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation, Sandra Clarke and Dr. Justin Maloney developed CPR and defibrillator training programs for high school students. Across Canada, 3.8 million young people have attended the course, learning leadership, civic responsibility and what to do in an emergency.

Christine J. Elliott, M.S.C.
The Honourable James M. Flaherty, P.C., M.S.C. (posthumous)
Whitby, Ontario

Christine Elliott and the late Jim Flaherty founded Abilities Centre, a unique, world-class facility in Whitby that engages people of all ages and abilities in sports, the arts and personal growth activities. Thanks to their dedicated support, the centre has become a local and international example of inclusiveness where everyone can participate equally.

The Meritorious Services Cross awarded to the late Jim Flaherty will be presented to his sons, John and Quinn Flaherty.

Heinrich Ulrich Feldmann, M.S.C.
Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
Gary Kobinger, O.M., M.S.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Racing against time in response to the devastating Ebola outbreaks in West Africa, Heinrich Feldmann and Gary Kobinger developed the first effective vaccine and treatment used to protect front-line care providers. The vaccine has since proven highly effective, with a perfect track record of protection that has resulted in a major leap toward the eradication of this deadly virus.

The Meritorious Service Cross awarded to Heinrich Feldmann will be presented to him at a later date.

Bala Theresa (Angèle) Singareddy Gingras, M.S.C.
André Gingras, M.S.C.
Gatineau, Quebec

Angèle and André Gingras founded Bala Vikasa, an international development organization dedicated to improving the living conditions of people in India's rural communities. Through a range of personal and community development programs, Bala Vikasa has helped millions of people reach their full potential and become agents of social change in their communities.

Peg Herbert, M.S.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Peg Herbert is the founder and executive director of Help Lesotho, an organization dedicated to rebuilding a country devastated by HIV/AIDS. She created a model of support that combines education, grief counselling and gender equity programs to help youth and grandmothers—those most often left in charge of their households—become community leaders and role models for positive social change.

Michael David Kaufman, M.S.C.
The Honourable Jack Layton, P.C., M.S.C. (posthumous)
Ronald Sluser, M.S.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Michael Kaufman, Jack Layton and Ron Sluser challenged negative concepts of masculinity by getting men to talk about gender equality. Their efforts sparked the White Ribbon Campaign, which encourages men and boys to pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Today, the movement has spread to 60 countries, and continues to promote a safe and equitable future by having fathers and other male role models talk to boys about respect and healthy relationships.

The Meritorious Services Crosses awarded to the late Jack Layton and Ronald Sluser were presented to them at a previous ceremony.

Joseph Maloney, M.S.C.
Markham, Ontario and Washington, D.C., United States of America

When labour leader Joseph Maloney saw soldiers being released after their service with limited job prospects, he created Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) in the United States in 2003. The program provides former service men and women with paid apprenticeships to help them transition to meaningful second careers. Building on this model, he founded H2H north of the border, which has benefited retired Canadian military members and their families.

Robert Piché, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec

In 2007, Robert Piché created an eponymous foundation to support the treatment of people with addictions and to help them successfully reintegrate into society. Captain Piché's motivational talks and his frequent visits to rehabilitation centres encourage others to continue on the road to recovery.

 

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

Khaled Ahmad Almilaji, M.S.M.
Syria and Toronto, Ontario
Mark Joseph Cameron, M.B., M.S.M.
Hastings, Ontario
Jay Dahman, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Doctors Khaled Almilaji and Jay Dahman, together with paramedic Mark Cameron, founded the Canadian International Medical Relief Organization to provide critical medical supplies and training in war-torn Syria. Putting themselves at great risk, they have administered polio vaccines to more than 1.4 million children. In addition to monitoring and reporting on infectious diseases in the region, they continue to train front-line health care providers in battlefield medicine.

David Christopher Batten, M.S.M.
Goodwood, Ontario

David Batten reinvigorated the Guild of the Royal Canadian Dragoons by connecting it to the business community. Starting with the first-ever Soldier-for-a-Day program, he has forged lasting partnerships, purchased equipment and provided scholarships to support troops, veterans and their families. His business acumen and leadership have helped to preserve the regiment's storied heritage and secure the guild's financial viability for the future.

Dean Brinton, M.S.M.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Dean Brinton led the creation of the exhibit Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou at The Rooms gallery in St. John's. The permanent display honours the soldiers who fought in the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. It shares the wartime experiences of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians while showcasing how the battle of Beaumont-Hamel is woven into the fabric of our nation.

Nancy Campana, M.S.M.
Robert Campana, M.S.M.
Windsor, Ontario

Following the death of their son Rocky, Nancy and Rob Campana founded the Run for Rocky, a five-kilometre run that promotes gay-straight alliances and raises awareness of issues surrounding youth mental health, bullying and suicide. The couple's positive attitude and spirit of co-operation have inspired change in the community's awareness of LGBTQ lifestyles and have shown families how to support their questioning youth and children.           

Sergeant Paul Morley "Trapper" Cane, M.S.M., C.D. (Retired)
Tower Hill, New Brunswick
Corporal Yannick Lebrun, M.S.M., C.D. (Retired)
Battersea, Ontario

Paul "Trapper" Cane and Yannick Lebrun founded the Canadian Army Veterans motorcycle club (CAV) to provide former front-line members with a way to give back to their communities through their shared love of riding. The CAV has expanded to include more than 60 units across the country with thousands of members. Since its inception, the club has raised over $7 million for charity and has participated in each of the Canadian military repatriation ceremonies held across the country.       

Ann Cavoukian, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Former Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian developed the Privacy by Design framework, which has been adopted by international data protection authorities and translated into more than 30 different languages. Her innovative approach to systems engineering, which prescribes building user information privacy into the foundation of applications, has positioned Canada as a leader in data protection.

Kevin Sze-Kin Chan, M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Beverly Sembsmoen, M.S.M.
Carcross, Yukon
Joshua Daniel Silvertown, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

In 2004, Kevin Chan, Beverly Sembsmoen and Joshua Silvertown created DreamCatcher Mentoring, an innovative project that connects high school students in northern Canada with professionals in their fields of interest. Volunteer 'e-mentors' help teens learn about their dream jobs, create attainable career goals and find motivation to stay in school. Now a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, the program continues to guide young people in remote parts of the country as they make decisions about their futures.

Jean Duchesneau, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec

As president of the Quebec Society for Disabled Children, Jean Duchesneau has demonstrated outstanding leadership by restoring the financial health of this charitable organization. In partnership with the business community, he has developed an innovative funding model that gives children with disabilities access to specialized resources while helping them integrate into the community.

Jean R. Fabi, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec

In an effort to help children living with a disability, Jean Fabi has been involved in many projects aiming to improve their quality of life. The creator of the Cabaret on Mount Royal benefit event, he led the campaign to raise funds for the Quebec Society for Disabled Children to build a research and rehabilitation centre. Named in his honour, the centre promotes the cognitive development and reintegration of disabled youth.

Constable Judith Falbo, M.S.M.
Cambridge, Ontario
Corporal Warren MacInnis, M.S.M. (Retired)
Dundalk, Ontario

Constable Judith Falbo and Corporal Warren MacInnis revamped the RCMP's approach to investigating intellectual property crime. Diligent research and collaboration with industry were the lynch pins to providing prosecutors with innovative ways to tackle a shadowy area of criminal activity and to combat the importation of counterfeit products into the country.

The Meritorious Service Medal awarded to Corporal Warren MacInnis will be presented to him at a later date.

Don Kilby, M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Physician Don Kilby is the founding president of Canadian Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA), a charity that partners with local agencies to improve health care in rural African communities. In addition to leading teams of volunteers who provide aid on-location, he has been the driving force behind CACHA's projects to fund scholarships, support HIV/AIDS orphans, and deliver millions of dollars of medical and infrastructure supplies to those in need.

Eric Bryan Lindros, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Former NHL star Eric Lindros has been instrumental in bringing the issue of sports-related concussions to the forefront, speaking candidly about his own experience and advocating for better information for athletes and coaches. Through his generous financial support of the London Health Sciences Centre and his participation in public fora, he has advanced both awareness and treatment of head injuries, and has paved the way for younger athletes to safeguard their health while enjoying sports.

Travis Price, M.S.M.
David Shepherd, M.S.M.
Cambridge, Nova Scotia

When a younger student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, Grade 12 students Travis Price and David Shepherd showed their solidarity the following day by outfitting their classmates with their own pink T-shirts. Their actions fuelled Pink Shirt Day, a national anti-bullying movement that has since spread around the world, inspiring others to take a stand against bullying and to celebrate diversity.

The Meritorious Service Medal awarded to David Shepherd was presented to him at a previous ceremony.

James Raffan, M.S.M.
Seeley's Bay, Ontario

Explorer James Raffan served as executive director of the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario, from 2006 to 2014, rescuing it from near bankruptcy and transforming it into the vibrant cultural attraction it is today. He laid the groundwork for a new facility and set the course for the museum to become a national institution that celebrates the lasting impact canoes have had on shaping our nation.

Wilson Sanon, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec

As founding president and director general of the Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Quebec, Wilson Sanon has worked to raise awareness of the most prevalent genetic blood disorder in the world. His dedication is apparent in his efforts to coordinate scientific conferences, promote research and organize blood drives specifically targeting first-time donors.

Mary Spencer, M.S.M.
Kashechewan and Wiarton, Ontario

Mary Spencer was the first Canadian female athlete and the first Indigenous female in history to compete in Olympic boxing. She now uses her success in the ring as a platform to mentor young athletes and Indigenous youth. Her determination and her emphasis on active, healthy living encourage young people to dream big and to reach their full potential.

Bernard Trottier, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Bernard Trottier is a leader in sport philanthropy in Canada. By funding the careers of amateur athletes, he helped an entire generation of Canadian competitors reach their Olympic dreams. A role model in the business community, he has inspired others to follow his example and lend their financial support to our athletes.

 

MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS (CIVIL DIVISION) FACT SHEET

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.merit.gg.ca. 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 of Canada

Media information: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, 613-852-3248 (cell), [email protected]