Media Advisory - Governor General to Present Honours in Moncton

OTTAWA, June 8, 2017 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present honours during a ceremony on Monday, June 12, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Moncton Wesleyan Celebration Centre, in Moncton, New Brunswick.

More than 50 remarkable 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 Decorations for Bravery, the Meritorious Service Decorations, or the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. The ceremony will be streamed live online at www.gg.ca/live, starting at 2 p.m. (ADT).

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 astronauts, 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 media schedule for the ceremony, background information on the honours being presented in Moncton (Annex A), and a list of recipients and their citations (Annex B) are attached.

Media wishing to cover this event are asked to confirm their attendance with the
Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Moncton Wesleyan Celebration Centre (945 St. George Boulevard.) no later than 1:45 p.m.

CEREMONY SCHEDULE

Media are asked to observe the following schedule:

1 p.m.:	Media start to arrive at the Moncton Wesleyan Celebration Centre
2 p.m.:	Ceremony begins
	The Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick offers welcoming remarks
	The Governor General speaks
	The Governor General presents the honours
3:15 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.

ANNEX A

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 Decorations for Bravery
Created in 1972, the 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 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 Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers
The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of individuals 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.

ANNEX B

RECIPIENTS AND CITATIONS

ORDER OF MERIT OF THE POLICE FORCES

Wendy Boyd, M.O.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces

For her exemplary service with the Halifax Regional Police, notably for establishing administrative best practices, as well as for managing and promoting the organization's Employee and Family Assistance Program.  

Director Pierre Brochet, M.O.M.
Saint-Constant, Quebec
Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces

For his leadership in enhancing operational procedures and crime prevention strategies for the Laval police service, and for his multi-faceted approach to supporting community initiatives throughout his province.

DECORATIONS FOR BRAVERY

Liam Bernard, S.C.
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia
Star of Courage

On September 16, 2016, Liam Bernard rescued two people from a burning truck near Melford, Nova Scotia. Following a collision, the truck had rolled into a ditch, trapping the victims inside. As Mr. Bernard pulled the first victim to safety, a fire broke out under the truck's hood and quickly spread into the cab. Mr. Bernard climbed inside to try and free the driver, but was forced to retreat due to the heavy smoke. Undeterred, Mr. Bernard returned to the vehicle and, with the help of bystanders, pulled the victim over to the passenger side and out of harm's way.

Anne Michelle Curtis, M.B. (posthumous)
Lingan, Nova Scotia
Medal of Bravery

On August 2, 2015, Michelle Curtis lost her life while rescuing her son and two other boys from a riptide off Dunvegan, Nova Scotia. After passing her son and one of the other boys to another rescuer, Ms. Curtis began to swim with the third victim back to shore. Overwhelmed by the heavy waves, she succumbed to exhaustion, despite the intervention of several bystanders. Thanks to her efforts, the three boys survived their ordeal.

The decoration awarded to the late Mrs. Anne Michelle Curtis will be received by her husband, Mr. Karl Curtis.

Lieutenant(N) Samuel Gaudreault, M.B., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Leading Seaman Jean-François Martineau, M.B.
Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Able Seaman James Richards, M.B.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Lieutenant(N) Daniel Willis, M.B., C.D.
Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia
Medal of Bravery

On November 15, 2014, Lieutenant(N) Samuel Gaudreault, Leading Seaman Jean-François Martineau, Able Seaman James Richards and Lieutenant(N) Daniel Willis rescued several people from a burning building in Antalya, Turkey. When the top floor caught fire, lieutenants Gaudreault and Willis grabbed an extinguisher and ran upstairs to fight the fire and help people escape. Leading Seaman Martineau and Able Seaman Richards were walking by when they saw the blaze. They immediately entered the building and ran upstairs. Able Seaman Richards ran across the room to a balcony where a man was trying to catch a water hose being thrown from below. Lieutenant(N) Willis went back downstairs to retrieve wet towels to cover their faces. With Leading Seaman Martineau leading the way, the rescuers extinguished the fire and brought the last victim to safety.

Dean Ingram, M.B.
Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
Medal of Bravery

On April 21, 2015, Dean Ingram rescued a woman from a burning car near Arnold's Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. The victim and her son were trapped in their vehicle following a head-on collision, and flames were quickly growing in the engine compartment. After bystanders rescued the boy, Mr. Ingram calmed the panicking mother as he forced the driver side door open and pulled her to safety.

Constable Michael McGee, M.B.
Stratford, Prince Edward Island
Medal of Bravery

On May 8, 2015, Constable Michael McGee, of the Charlottetown Police Service, rescued a woman from a boarding house fire in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Constable McGee made his way to the third floor, where he found the unconscious woman next to a burning room. He dragged her to the top of the stairs before the heavy smoke forced him to withdraw. After catching his breath, he returned upstairs with his colleagues to bring the victim to safety.

Constable Stephanie Pelley, M.B.
Constable Charley Torres, M.B.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Medal of Bravery

On November 9, 2015, constables Stephanie Pelley and Charley Torres, of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, rescued a distressed woman who was in danger of drowning in the ocean in Flatrock, Newfoundland and Labrador. The officers had been trying to keep the woman from jumping off a rocky embankment into the waves, to no avail. They dove into the cold water to reach the victim, whose foot had become wedged between two rocks. Despite the surf crashing over their heads, the constables freed the struggling woman and returned her safely to shore.

Sergeant Dwayne Rumbolt, M.B., C.D.
Oromocto, New Brunswick
Medal of Bravery

On July 4, 2014, Sergeant Dwayne Rumbolt disarmed a distressed soldier who was threatening to kill himself in Oromocto, New Brunswick. The victim, armed with a pistol, had hidden himself in a small crawl space in his house. Sergeant Rumbolt found the man asleep and carefully tried to remove the gun from his hands. His movements woke the soldier who accidentally fired a round into the wall. A struggle ensued that ended with the pistol's magazine being ejected. Sergeant Rumbolt was then able to calm the victim down until help arrived.

Marc Savoie, M.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Medal of Bravery

On July 4, 2015, Dr. Marc Savoie pulled a man to safety following an accident on a highway near Saint-Honoré-de-Témiscouata, Quebec. The victim had suffered a head injury when his motorcycle collided with a moose. By the time Dr. Savoie reached his side, the man was wandering into oncoming traffic. Dr. Savoie hauled the victim to safety only moments before a transport truck barrelled past them both.

Leon Slaney, M.B.
St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and Labrador
Medal of Bravery

On February 3, 2016, Leon Slaney rescued a man whose ATV had broken through the ice of a frozen pond, near St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and Labrador. Witness to the accident, Mr. Slaney ventured as close as he could to the edge of the hole. He anchored himself and threw the end of a booster cable toward the victim. Once Mr. Slaney pulled the man out of the water, he gave him some of his own clothes and lit a fire to keep both of them warm until help arrived.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS

Corporal Kyle Patrick Button, M.S.M.
Oromocto, New Brunswick
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

On October 22, 2014, Corporal Button displayed exemplary leadership following the tragic incidents at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Ontario. Having witnessed a shooter firing at his comrade, he remained at the scene and continued providing first aid with the assistance of other individuals. Corporal Button's exemplary support to his community, his professionalism in the aftermath of the events, and his determination to return to his post at the Tomb during very challenging circumstances have brought great credit to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Major Paul Douglas Hurley, M.S.M., C.D.
Westfield, New Brunswick
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

Major Hurley was deployed to the UN Mission in South Sudan from October 2013 to April 2014. Serving as a military liaison officer, he led UN presence patrols, assessed battle damage and conducted investigations into human rights abuses committed by armed factions in a turbulent intra-state conflict. Moreover, he coordinated aerial evacuations of civilians and ensured the safety of UN personnel and equipment, thereby protecting lives and avoiding armed confrontation. With unwavering professionalism and determined resilience, Major Hurley brought great credit to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.

Chief Warrant Officer Ambrose Penton, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
London, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

From March to November 2012, Chief Warrant Officer Penton deployed to the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan as the Joint Task Force Afghanistan sergeant-major. His leadership of more than 900 Canadians in 30 locations across three regions of Afghanistan kept them motivated, disciplined and focused. He also provided excellent daily advice to his command team. Chief Warrant Officer Penton's performance was integral to mission success and enhanced the reputation of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Gisèle Breau, M.S.M.
Shippagan, New Brunswick
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

To fill a gap in adapted resources, Gisèle Breau founded Maison TED and created the Centre d'excellence en autisme de la Péninsule acadienne to support children on the autism spectrum. With these organizations, Ms. Breau has been able to provide appropriate resources and support while raising public awareness of the challenges faced by families with a child on the autism spectrum.

Benjamin David Cowan-Dewar, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

Benjamin David Cowan-Dewar is the visionary behind the design and creation of the Cabot Links golf resort. Built on a former coal mine, his hotel complex has become a tourist destination popular with golfers the world over, actively contributing to the economic growth and revitalization of the Inverness region.

Andrew John Furey, M.S.M.
Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

In response to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, Andrew John Furey rallied a team of fellow physicians from Newfoundland to provide front-line, urgent medical care in this devastated country. Upon returning to Canada, he founded Team Broken Earth. Since then, hundreds of volunteer physicians, nurses and physiotherapists from across Canada have joined the team to deliver and improve health care services in one of the world's poorest countries.

France Geoffroy, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Martine Lusignan, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Isaac Savoie, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

In establishing Corpuscule Danse, the very first integrated dance company in Quebec, founders France Geoffroy, Martine Lusignan and Isaac Savoie created something altogether unique. This initiative has introduced hitherto unknown and modern art forms while emphasizing the integration of persons with a disability. Moreover, this dance company has opened the door to research into creativity and the study of movement.

Paul A. Keinick, M.S.M.
Waverley, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

Paul A. Keinick, manager of Sobeys in Cole Harbour, has set an example by creating an inclusive workplace. He has hired people with disabilities to fill a third of the positions at his store and has crafted a manual on fostering diversity in a business. Appropriate training and support have allowed some staff members to fulfill their dreams of holding a job for the first time. His initiative has created a positive environment for workers and shoppers alike.

Travis AJ Price, M.S.M.
David J. Shepherd, M.S.M.
South Berwick, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

When a younger student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, Grade 12 students Travis AJ Price and David J. 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 Mr. Price will be presented to him at a later date.

Becka Viau, M.S.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)

Becka Viau founded this town is small, an artist-run centre that has reinvigorated the contemporary arts scene on Prince Edward Island. Ms. Viau's infectious enthusiasm for building bridges among artists and genres within the local community has inspired the creation of new festivals and galleries in the province. This renewed sense of artistic creativity has motivated several artists to return to the Island to work and live.

SOVEREIGN'S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Félix Amirault and Lucille Amirault
Kingston, Nova Scotia

Since 1990, Félix and Lucille Amirault have been members of Les Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré, where they are involved in various projects to preserve Acadian culture. Together, they also maintain the gardens in Sainte-Famille Cemetery, an Acadian burial ground discovered in the village of Falmouth in 1996.

Glen Amirault
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Since he began volunteering with the pet therapy program at Northwood retirement residence, Glen Amirault has taken on increased responsibilities and started leading some of the organization's programs. He volunteers three times per week and his visits are greatly valued by the staff and residents.

Norm Chouinard
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Norm Chouinard has been volunteering as a musician at Northwood retirement residence for the past 15 years, bringing happiness to the residents living at the two locations of this non-profit continuing care organization. He has also brought in other musicians and converses with the French-speaking residents in their mother tongue.

Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel James Derby, C.D.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

A long-serving volunteer board member of the Army Cadet League of Nova Scotia, James Derby organizes the annual Army Cadet Vimy Day in Halifax, which engages hundreds of cadets and provides them with the opportunity to learn about Canadian military history.

Tom Foley
Westville, Nova Scotia

Tom Foley has been delivering food orders, liaising with the press and running the annual food drive for the Pictou East Food Bank for 30 years. As a board member, he helps run the charity, but as a volunteer, he provides nourishment to those in need throughout Pictou county.

David Gabriel
Sydney, Nova Scotia

David Gabriel is deeply committed to improving the well-being of his community through the promotion of healthy, active living. His work with the Cape Breton Fiddlers Run, the Baille Ard Recreation Association and youth running initiatives encourages Cape Bretoners to get outside and enjoy fitness.

Bev Harrison
Hampton, New Brunswick

For more than 40 years, Bev Harrison has had a profound impact on his community through his volunteer service and leadership. He plays a key role in the Hampton Piggs Peak Partnership, which contributes funding and resources to cover school costs for students affected by HIV/AIDS in Swaziland.

Dale Hicks
Moncton, New Brunswick

For 10 years, Dale Hicks has provided leadership to the Food Depot Alimentaire by initiating various fundraisers, expanding the Christmas food box program and improving the facility. His work over the past five years has yielded nourishment and care for more than 20 000 individuals.

Marie Kenny
Brackley, Prince Edward Island

Marie Kenny had dedicated a large portion of her life to national and provincial programs run by the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, and even served as its president. By supporting and raising funds for health, education and social initiatives, she has empowered women locally and nationally.

Jacques (Chuck) Lavoie and Norma Jeanne Lavoie
Moncton, New Brunswick

Since 2005, Chuck and Norma Jeanne Lavoie have had a positive influence on families in the Moncton area. They have promoted cancer awareness through the LIVESTRONG Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and helped citizens in need through the Vestiaire St. Joseph Food Bank.

James Leadbeater
New Victoria, Nova Scotia

James Leadbeater has dedicated more than 15 years of volunteer service to the Royal Canadian Legion. Travelling all over Cape Breton, he helps with weekly bingo games, community breakfasts and legion dances, in addition to serving as sergeant-at-arms.

Nils Liljemark
Dieppe, New Brunswick

Nils Liljemark's volunteer career started with cadet training and fundraising while in the military. He subsequently went on to provide leadership as a board member with the YMCA, and as president of the Dieppe Boys and Girls Club, the Dieppe Military Veterans' Association, and a seniors' residence.

Bernadette MacLellan
Sydney River, Nova Scotia

Since 2005, Bernadette MacLellan has been helping Cape Bretoners lead active, healthy lives as a volunteer with the Cape Breton Fiddlers Run. Currently vice-chair of its board of directors, she encourages youth participation and coordinates the run day schedules for the Kids Running Series.

Mildred Noseworthy
Baddeck, Nova Scotia

For more than 30 years, Mildred Noseworthy has completed income tax returns on a volunteer basis for seniors and low-income families. She has also held several key positions with other organizations in her community.

Maxwell Guy Oates
Grand-Barachois, New Brunswick

Maxwell Oates has mobilized people in the fight against hunger for 25 years. As the coordinator of the New Brunswick Association of Food Banks, as well as a volunteer and administrator, he has united the regional food banks to ensure the distribution of over 40 million pounds of food throughout the community.

Murry Parlee
Oromocto, New Brunswick

Since helping to establish Meals on Wheels in the Oromocto area in 1984, Murry Parlee has served the organization as driver, treasurer, coordinator and, most recently, as president for the past 21 years. He has also volunteered with the Queen Sunbury West Cancer Society for 36 years, and has provided assistance to veterans in need.

Patricia J. Rodenhiser
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

In the spring of 1992, Patricia Rodenhiser was appointed coordinator of the new East Dartmouth Christian Food Bank, which was serving 52 families at the time. It has since grown to serve more than 500. As a hands-on volunteer who works closely with the area's churches, she continues to serve those in need.

Simonne Rachèle Savoury
Petit-de-Grat, Nova Scotia

Simonne Rachèle Savoury has actively supported her high school and the residents of Petit-de-Grat by organizing fundraisers as president of the Student Council and by volunteering for community projects. Leading by example, she has promoted a sense of belonging and has inspired youth to get involved.

Diana Shelley
Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Diana Shelley started volunteering with the Wolfville Area Inter Church Council over 40 years ago, to help individuals in need. As a founding member, volunteer and executive of the Wolfville Area Food Bank, she has cared for and comforted people in her community.

Jamie Warren
Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador

First elected to the Newfoundland T'Railway Council in 2003 and serving as president since 2005, Jamie Warren has played an instrumental role in transforming the province's abandoned railway line into part of the Trans Canada Trail. In 2014, he led efforts to establish a new fundraising arm to cover operating and maintenance costs.

Bryn Weadon
Beaverbank, Nova Scotia

Since his retirement, Bryn Weadon has been lending his financial acumen to a number of organizations, notably the Navy League of Canada and the Royal Military Colleges Foundation. Serving as volunteer treasurer of both organizations, he oversees their budgets and develops the financial policies that help guide their activities.

Heather Williamson-LeFort
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Heather Williamson-LeFort was a founding member of the Annapolis Royal and Area Food Bank 24 years ago, and remains committed to helping others. As both an ambassador and a board member, she ensures the bank runs smoothly, and lends her support to other groups such as the Annapolis West Health Foundation.

Harold E. Wright
Saint John, New Brunswick

For decades, Harold Wright has promoted his city's heritage through his involvement with cultural, historical and veterans associations, most recently as director of the Turnbull Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, where he spearheads commemorative projects. Since 2010, he has also devoted his time as a volunteer patient, providing medical students with the opportunity to practice their skills.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Media information: Melanie Primeau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569 (office), 613-618-2691 (cell), [email protected]