OTTAWA, Dec. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will present honours during a ceremony on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 11 a.m., at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.
More than 25 Canadians will be recognized for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service with one of the following honours: the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, the Meritorious Service Decorations, the Decorations for Bravery or the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.
The Governor General presents honours on behalf of all Canadians in communities across the country to help share inspiring stories, celebrate tremendous contributions to our society and connect with Canadians. From community volunteers to scientists, from actors to members of the military, from scholars to everyday citizens, hundreds of Canadians earn our applause and gratitude. For more information about honours or to nominate someone who inspires you, visit www.gg.ca/honours.
A schedule for the ceremony, the list of recipients with citations, and background information on the types of honours that will be presented are attached.
Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office. Accreditation must be shown at the Citadelle gate (1 Côte de la Citadelle, near the Saint-Louis Gate) prior to accessing the residence via the administration door.
| CEREMONY SCHEDULE |
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| Media are asked to observe the following schedule: |
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| 10:15 a.m.: |
Media start to arrive at the Citadelle |
| 11 a.m.: |
Ceremony begins |
| The Governor General speaks |
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| The Governor General presents the honours |
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| 12 p.m.: |
Interviews with recipients |
Please note that the information in this media advisory reflects the rank of the recipients at the time of the event for which they are being recognized.
RECIPIENTS AND CITATIONS
ORDER OF MERIT OF THE POLICE FORCES
Martin Prud'homme, O.O.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces
Martin Prud'homme has worked tirelessly to enhance provincial coordination on serial crimes, homicides and high-risk situations. He has also helped improve the investigation process into abductions and missing children at both the local and provincial levels.
Penny Hart, M.O.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces
Penny Hart, of the Halifax Regional Police, revolutionized the department's approach to sexualized violence and child abuse. In addition to serving as an advocate for improved police training and for humanitarian assistance through policing, she successfully led teams on numerous, complex homicide investigations.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS
Dan Bigras, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
A stalwart advocate for homeless youth, Dan Bigras created the Show du Refuge, a benefit concert to help fund the activities of the Refuge des Jeunes homeless shelter. Determined to raise awareness of the realities faced by those most in need, he has been tireless in working to change mentalities and improve the lives of thousands of disadvantaged youths.
Michel Côté, M.S.C.
Marc Messier, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Marcel Gauthier, M.S.C.
Austin, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
Having earned a Guinness World Record in 2006 for the longest-running theatrical play with the same cast, Michel Côté, Marcel Gauthier and Marc Messier are undisputed ambassadors of Quebec theatre. With over 3 300 performances of Broue, a one-of-a-kind play reflecting Quebec popular culture, they have made us laugh and have introduced an entire generation to the wonderful world of theatre.
Geneviève Auclair, M.S.M.
Montréal and Puvirnituq, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Physician Geneviève Auclair spearheaded a successful campaign to recruit health care professionals to the Inuulitsivik Health Centre in Nunavik, and to introduce local youth to potential careers as doctors, nurses and technicians. During her tenure as chief of medicine, the number of permanent staff has increased significantly as new physicians and support workers arrive and opt to stay longer, resulting in more stable health care for the region's residents.
Hy Goldman, M.S.M.
Sandra Goldman, M.S.M.
Westmount, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Hy and Sandy Goldman founded the non-profit arts festival KlezKanada to celebrate traditional Yiddish Klezmer music and to reinvigorate the culture through a new generation of artists and audience members. Over the course of two decades, the event has grown and gained international stature. It now draws teachers, participants and scholarship recipients from around the world who explore Jewish history, language and literature, as well as music and dance.
Steve Gregory, M.S.M.
Westmount, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Steve Gregory was the driving force behind Operation Husky–2013, a tribute to the sacrifices made by Canadian troops who took part in the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943, codenamed Operation HUSKY. He tirelessly spearheaded numerous commemorative events, including a march across the island that followed in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought there 70 years earlier. The successful project shone a light on an often-overlooked chapter in Canadian military history.
Luc Richer, M.S.M.
Québec, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
To encourage young people to stay in school and be physically active and to reduce delinquency among disadvantaged youth, Luc Richer created Motivaction Jeunesse, an initiative to inspire youth through outdoor activities. In addition to being very effective at integrating new arrivals, this organization instills core values, including perseverance and effort, in young people while giving them the opportunity to enjoy the positive benefits of participating in sport.
Honorary Colonel John Keillor Farrer Irving, M.S.M.
Saint John, New Brunswick
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Since 2009, Honorary Colonel Irving has been demonstrating exceptional support and selfless dedication as the honorary colonel of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (The Loyal Company), Royal Canadian Artillery. He was instrumental in restoring the title "The Loyal Company" to the Regiment; in producing a historical record of the Regiment's second century of service; and in refurbishing two guns of great historical significance. His efforts to promote the history and heritage of the Canadian Armed Forces have brought great credit to Canada.
Commander Trevor John Christopher MacLean, M.S.M., C.D.
Bedford, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Commander MacLean served as the commanding officer of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Fredericton from January to June 2016, in support of NATO assurance measures in the Mediterranean and Black seas. His exceptional leadership and professionalism ensured operational success, particularly during maritime surveillance operations in the Aegean Sea. Commander MacLean's operational acumen emphasized Canada's commitment to its NATO allies, and contributed to maintaining stability and security in Eastern and Central Europe.
DECORATIONS FOR BRAVERY
Abdul Ayoola, M.B.
Kirkland, Quebec
Sergeant Stéphane Champagne, M.B.
Montréal, Quebec
Sergeant Jean-Marc Rochon, M.B.
Montréal, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On September 4, 2012, at a rally following the Quebec provincial elections, security officer Abdul Ayoola and Sûreté du Québec police sergeants Stéphane Champagne and Jean‑Marc Rochon apprehended a heavily armed man who had just shot two people at the Métropolis in Montréal. The three men chased the attacker, who suddenly pointed his gun at them. As the assailant was trying to reload his weapon, Sergeant Champagne ran over and tackled him to the ground. Sergeant Rochon and Mr. Ayoola quickly disarmed the man and restrained him until help arrived. Unfortunately, one of the two victims did not survive.
Steeve Bordeleau, M.B.
Mont-Carmel, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On October 31, 2015, Steeve Bordeleau rescued his friend who was trapped in a submerged excavator in the Pipmuacan reservoir near Chicoutimi, Quebec. The two men were loading the machine onto a pontoon boat when it slid into the freezing water, trapping the victim inside. Mr. Bordeleau dove into the water and, after several attempts, broke through the cockpit window. He pulled the unconscious victim out and swam after the pontoon, which had drifted away. Despite suffering from the effects of the cold, Mr. Bordeleau managed to haul the victim onto the pontoon before steering it towards the nearest cabin to seek help.
Daniel Roy, M.B.
Sainte-Claire, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On July 30, 2015, Daniel Roy rescued a boy from drowning off Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, U.S.A. A riptide had swept the victim, his father and his brother some 50 metres from shore. Mr. Roy swam out to the distressed boy and fought against the current to bring him back to shore. Other swimmers came to the aid of the young victim's father and brother, who were safely returned to the boy's side.
Paul van Doesburg, M.B.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On February 5, 2016, Paul van Doesburg rescued an elderly man who was in danger of drowning off the coast of Lo de Marcos, in Nayarit, Mexico. Mr. van Doesburg swam out to reach the distressed swimmer approximately 130 metres from shore. He managed to hold onto the man as he fought against the strong current, but quickly became exhausted as he tried to keep the victim's head above water. He was met by another rescuer on a kayak who helped bring them both back to safety. Sadly, the victim did not survive.
SOVEREIGN'S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Pierre Alexandre Bibeau
Québec, Quebec
Pierre Bibeau has been volunteering in his community for the past 20 years. He has focused his efforts on causes that support youth, culture and wounded soldiers, including Wounded Warriors Canada, the Lions, Rotary and Optimist clubs, and the Fondation des Amis de l'Aviation royale du Canada in Bagotville.
Gilles Bourassa
Shawinigan, Quebec
As a founding member of Club Optimiste in Shawinigan, Quebec, Gilles Bourassa has volunteered for the organization for over 50 years and has been instrumental in promoting sports in the community. As a former professional golfer, he has devoted his life to sports and to mentoring youth to achieve their highest level of performance.
Jocelyne Dallaire
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
For over three decades, Jocelyn Dallaire advocated for and promoted the rights and interests of seniors in her community. As president of the Groupe d'Action des 50 ans et plus de Charlevoix since 2004, she has implemented initiatives to improve the mental and physical health of seniors in her community.
Lucie Desrochers
Daveluyville, Quebec
Lucie Desrochers is the lead volunteer with the École secondaire Sainte-Anne de Daveluyville Breakfast Club. She is responsible for preparing well-balanced, nutritious breakfasts and serving them to students every morning, thereby helping to support student academic success.
Michelle Gélinas-Rheault
Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Over 40 years ago, Michelle Gélinas-Rheault began volunteering in her parish by watering flowers in the municipal park. Since then, she has helped those in need by raising funds for and donating her time to the Centre hospitalier Cooke and the Fondation régionale pour la santé de Trois-Rivières.
Paulette Gingras
Lévis, Quebec
Paulette Gingras is a compassionate caregiver who reassures her patients through her comforting presence. For more than 10 years, she has organized cognitive stimulation activities for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Kévin Jutras
Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Since 2008, Kévin Jutras has volunteered with the Quebec Naval Museum on a variety of projects; most recently, the restoration of the historic Jeffy Jan II yacht, which was on display during the Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta as part of the Canada 150 celebrations.
Réjean Martel
Québec, Quebec
Dedicated to improving the quality of life of his fellow citizens, Réjean Martel has served in various capacities within several community organizations. He has dedicated considerable time to promoting recreation and sports among the youth of Sainte-Foy.
Sylvain Prémont
Québec, Quebec
Since his retirement in 1997, Sylvain Prémont has been volunteering at the Saint-Jean-Eudes high school, where he volunteers with the football program that he himself put in place. He is especially known for his efforts to encourage the professional development of young players and for his ability to inspire community involvement.
Jean-Marc Vanasse
Trois-Rivières, Quebec
A natural volunteer, Jean-Marc Vanasse has tapped into his network of contacts to help raise funds to support several organizations in their fundraising efforts; as a board member, he has also provided these organizations with financial and strategic advice. He is especially dedicated to the Rotary Club, Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières, Maison l'Entr'Amis and Centre de pédiatrie sociale de Trois-Rivières.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON CANADIAN HONOURS PRESENTED AT THE CITADELLE OF QUÉBEC
About the Order of Merit of the Police Forces
Established in October 2000, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours the leadership and exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Police Services, and recognizes their commitment to this country. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development. There are three categories of membership: Commander, Officer and Member.
About the Meritorious Service Decorations
The Meritorious Service Decorations celebrate Canadians who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brings honour to Canada. The decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a cross and a medal.
The Military Division recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.
The Civil Division recognizes remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts. The contributions can be innovative, set an example for others to follow, or improve the quality of life of a community. For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit merit.gg.ca.
About the Decorations for Bravery
Created in 1972, Decorations for Bravery recognize people who risk their lives and choose to defy their own instinct of survival to try to save a loved one or a perfect stranger whose life is in immediate danger. The three levels of the Decorations for Bravery reflect the degree to which the recipients put themselves at risk: the Cross of Valour recognizes acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril; the Star of Courage recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril; and the Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
About the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers
The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the remarkable volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the Medal pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers. For more information or to nominate a deserving volunteer, visit caring.gg.ca.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166 (office), 613-852-3248 (cell), [email protected]
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