OTTAWA, July 4, 2018 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will present honours to 26 recipients during a ceremony on Friday, July 6, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Citadelle of Québec.
Recipients 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, a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division), a Decoration for Bravery or the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.
A schedule of the ceremony, the recipients' citations and background information on the types of honours being presented are attached.
Media interested in covering the ceremony are asked to confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office and must arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony. Accreditation must be shown at the Citadelle gate (Côte de la Citadelle, near the St. Louis Gate) prior to accessing the Ballroom via the administration door.
CEREMONY SCHEDULE
| 10:00 a.m.: |
Media start to arrive at the Citadelle of Québec |
| 10:30 a.m.: |
Ceremony begins |
| 11:45 a.m.: |
Interviews with recipients |
Please note that the information in this news release 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
Chief Superintendent Stephan Joseph Marcel Drolet, M.O.M.
Burnaby, British Columbia
Chief Superintendent Stephan Joseph Marcel Drolet has been a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer for over 20 years. He is an exceptional leader who developed a nationally recognized emergency plan to mitigate the risk of flooding in the Lower Mainland of B.C.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS (CIVIL DIVISION)
Allan Ian Aitken, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
For over 30 years, Ian Aitken, founder of Enactus Canada, has inspired young Canadians to become innovative, socially minded entrepreneurs and to tackle real-world issues like food security and sustainable development. His leadership has provided opportunities for thousands of university students to translate their ideas into action and to network with educators, business people and peers in Canada and around the world.
John Allan Baker, M.S.C.
Waterloo, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
At the age of 21, John Baker recognized the potential of computer-based learning to revolutionize teaching practices. He founded Desire2Learn (now D2L), a company that has grown into a world leader in the field of education-based software. Thanks to his vision and perseverance, D2L's products now reach millions, facilitating communication between teachers and students, customizing course content and giving access to geographically remote learners.
Sergeant Alain J. M. Clavet, M.S.C. (Retired)
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
Retired RCMP sergeant Alain Clavet is a trailblazer in the field of covert entry operations. Law enforcement agencies around the world have deployed his innovative technology in numerous high-profile investigations. His ingenuity has led to the successful apprehension of dangerous suspects, increased safety for officers, and enhanced the RCMP's profile in combatting crime in Canada and abroad.
Stella Marguerite Bowles, M.S.M.
Upper Lahave, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Elementary school student Stella Bowles studied the contamination of the LaHave River near her home for a science project. When she discovered that untreated sewage was polluting the river, she used social media to gather support to have it cleaned up. As her online following grew, the media took notice and, eventually, all three levels of government pledged funds toward improving the water quality.
Carol Finlay, O.Ont., M.S.M.
Cobourg, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Carol Finlay founded Book Clubs for Inmates, an organization that comprises 29 clubs and a post-secondary education scholarship program in men's and women's correctional facilities across the country. In addition to improving their literacy skills, the participants develop their abilities to listen, converse, be self-aware and empathize with others, which contribute to their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.
Sébastien Lapierre, M.S.M.
Québec, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
In 2017, Sébastien Lapierre became the first Canadian to ski, solo and unassisted, from the Antarctic Coast to the South Pole, a feat accomplished by only about 20 others in the world. Mr. Lapierre shares his experience through public speaking engagements to inspire others to excel and to reach for their dreams.
Fred Losani, M.S.M.
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
A champion for giving back, Hamilton businessman Fred Losani has raised millions of dollars for local children's charities and environmental causes. In 2013, he joined forces with the Hamilton Community Foundation to launch the Losani Family Foundation Fund, which supports numerous local charitable efforts under one united front. Partnering with WE, the Losani Family Foundation has also committed more than $1.5 million to projects around the world and has inspired other business leaders in Ontario to engage in philanthropic endeavors.
Donald Wayne Nicholls, M.S.M.
Mistissini, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
While serving as director of Justice and Corrections with the Cree Nation Government, Donald Nicholls has led the development of innovative crime prevention, alternative dispute resolution and reintegration programs for members of nine Cree communities in northern Quebec. Rooted in Indigenous culture, his programs include school-based youth workshops, women's shelters and a criminal record suspension framework to help people with barriers to employment find jobs.
Fabien Sinnett, M.S.M.
Gaspé, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
The mastermind behind the Birthplace of Canada historic site, Fabien Sinnett sought to showcase the history of Gaspé and the heritage of the Mi'kmaq, French and English peoples of the region. As a result, he has given the Town of Gaspé a major economic boost and has created a gathering place where Gaspesians are proud to share their history.
DECORATIONS FOR BRAVERY
On June 4, 2014, 10 members of the Codiac Regional RCMP risked their lives as they engaged in a manhunt for a shooter in Moncton, New Brunswick. When a call came in about a heavily armed man seen walking through a neighbourhood, the officers were dispatched to establish a perimeter and engage the suspect. The following recounts each member's act of bravery as the incident unfolded.
Constable Mathieu Daigle, M.B.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Constable Fabrice Gevaudan, M.B. (posthumous)
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Corporal Peter Cyril MacLean, M.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Constable Robert Nickerson, M.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Responding to a call about an armed man in the neighbourhood, constables Gevaudan and Daigle found the suspect in the woods behind a house and started closing in on him. The gunman opened fire, fatally wounding Cst. Gevaudan. At risk of being shot, Cst. Daigle, now joined by Cpl. MacLean and Cst. Nickerson, moved their fallen colleague to a safer location and administered first aid. The suspect fled the scene.
The decoration awarded to the late Constable Fabrice Gevaudan will be received by his wife, Mrs. Angela Gevaudan.
Constable Dave Ross, M.B. (posthumous)
Moncton, New Brunswick
Constable Erik White, M.B.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Moments after the suspect emerged from the woods, Constable Dave Ross intercepted him as the man threatened civilians in a vehicle. Cst. Ross accelerated his SUV to position himself between the shooter and the targets, and fired at the gunman through his windshield. In the exchange that followed, Cst. Ross was fatally wounded. Witnessing the scene from his cover further down the street, Cst. Erik White ran to the SUV to retrieve Cst. Ross and bring him to shelter.
The Medal of Bravery awarded to the late Constable Dave Ross will be received by his wife, Mrs. Rachel Ross.
Constable Eric Dubois, M.B.
Gatineau, Quebec
Constable Nicolas Gilfillan, M.B.
Memramcook, New Brunswick
Constable Shelly L. Mitchell, M.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Constables Dubois and Gilfillan were responding to a call of an officer trapped in a police vehicle and taking fire. As shots rang out, Cst. Dubois provided cover to the trapped officer. Then, while attempting to report the gunman's location, he was wounded by bullet fragments and had to fall back to take cover at a fire station. Cst. Gilfillan was eventually able to extract the trapped officer from the area of danger, while Cst. Dubois was brought to hospital by Cst. Mitchell, who had commandeered a civilian vehicle.
Constable Douglas Larche, M.B. (posthumous)
Moncton, New Brunswick
Constable Larche was in the process of establishing a containment perimeter around the area of the shooting when he suddenly came under fire from the suspect. Despite being outgunned, Cst. Larche actively engaged the suspect himself before being fatally wounded.
The Medal of Bravery awarded to the late Constable Douglas Larche will be received by his wife, Mrs. Nadine Larche.
The officers continued their search for another 27 hours before the suspect was finally apprehended.
SOVEREIGN'S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Yann Castelnot
Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec
Since 2000, Yann Castelnot has identified thousands of Indigenous soldiers who contributed to the Canadian war effort during the First and Second world wars. As president of the Association de recherche des anciens combattants amérindiens, he strives to honour the memory, commitment and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.
Roger Demers
Lévis, Quebec
Roger Demers has played a significant role on numerous committees and boards in Lévis for many years, notably those of several heritage and military associations. As treasurer of the Société du patrimoine de la Citadelle et du Royal 22e Régiment, he contributed to the success of the regiment's 100th anniversary celebrations.
Manon Garneau
Thetford Mines, Quebec
For the past 13 years, Manon Garneau has been involved with the Polyvalente de Black Lake school. Notably, she helps to organize benefits, fundraising campaigns and numerous student life activities at the elementary and high school levels.
André Guitard
Gaspé, Quebec
Retired from the military, André Guitard is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of veterans. A board member of the Royal Canadian Legion Gaspé Branch 59, he volunteers his time to ensure the success of military ceremonies and demonstrations.
Isabelle Laflamme
Disraeli, Quebec
For 35 years, Isabelle Laflamme has been volunteering with seniors, people with visual impairments and others in her community, notably through the Comité d'entraide bénévole de Disraeli.
Dennis Rioux
Québec, Quebec
Driven by a passion to help those in need, Dennis Rioux has volunteered for numerous aid organizations for more than 15 years. He delivers food to the poor, brings clothes and blankets to the homeless and works to improve the lives of the underprivileged in his community and throughout Quebec.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON CANADIAN HONOURS
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 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: Josephine Laframboise, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-9324, 613-668-1929 (cell), [email protected]
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