OTTAWA, Feb. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will present honours to 32 recipients during a ceremony on Thursday, February 14, 2019, 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: 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 |
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10 a.m.: |
Media start to arrive at the Citadelle of Québec |
10:30 a.m.: |
Ceremony begins |
11:45 a.m.: |
Interviews with recipients |
RECIPIENTS AND CITATIONS
MERITORIOUS SERVICE CROSS (CIVIL DIVISION)
Pierre Duval, M.S.C.
Cowansville, Quebec
François Fassier, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Doctors Pierre Duval and François Fassier developed the Fassier-Duval Telescoping IM System, an innovative medical tool used to treat children with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that results in brittle bones. The global standard for this type of care, the Fassier-Duval nail has improved the well-being and gross motor functions in thousands of children, even enabling some children in wheelchairs to walk independently.
Gerald Mitchel Fried, M.S.C.
Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec
Doctor Gerald Mitchel Fried was one of the first Canadian surgeons to use minimally invasive surgical techniques and to practise laparoscopic operations in Canada. He also helped to train new physicians in Canada through the program he established at McGill University that has since become a global standard in the field of minimally invasive surgery.
Jean Vincent, M.S.C.
Wendake, Quebec
Jean Vincent has distinguished himself by his outstanding leadership in laying the groundwork for an essential economic development service vital to Indigenous communities in Quebec. Instrumental in the establishment of Indigenous financial institutions, he has enabled First Nations' members to secure financing, create jobs and forge business partnerships that foster economic development in their communities.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CIVIL DIVISION)
Roland Barbier, M.S.M.
Terrebonne, Quebec
Marie Saint Pierre, C.M., C.Q., M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Roland Barbier and Marie Saint Pierre founded Opération Sous Zéro, an initiative that discreetly distributes new winter clothing to disadvantaged children. This successful program has outfitted more than 20 000 children in warm winter clothing, allowing them to grow with dignity and avoid being labelled as "in need" by their peers.
Richard Bennett, M.S.M.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
John Raymond Dallaire, M.S.M.
Robert E. LeBlanc, M.S.M.
Patrick J. O'Brien, M.S.M.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Inspired by a friend who lost a family member to depression, Richard Bennett, John Dallaire, Robert LeBlanc and Pat O'Brien founded Relais trois montagnes, an organization that holds non-competitive relay events in the Moncton area to raise awareness and funds for mental health programs. Since its inception, the relay has raised over $300,000, contributing to the delivery of much-needed services for youth living with mental illness, their caregivers and the broader community.
Kathryn Lorna Boesch-Lucking, M.S.M.
Port Mouton, Nova Scotia
Elementary school teacher Kathy Lucking founded the Madagascar School Project (MSP) in 2008 to help break the cycle of poverty and hunger in the central highlands of that country. Now two schools provide primary education and vocational training to 700 students and employ 40 Malagasy teachers. The impact of the MSP extends beyond the classroom through projects that provide micro-loans to villagers, improve medical services and support sustainable farming.
Sylvain Brosseau, M.S.M.
Diane Chênevert, C.Q., M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Sylvain Brosseau and Diane Chênevert founded Centre Philou, a stimulation and rehabilitation centre, to improve the lives of children with severe disabilities. By offering respite programs to families and improving health care practices for children with multiple disabilities, Centre Philou gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential in an atmosphere of joy and respect.
Sally F. E. Goddard, M.S.M.
John Timothy Goddard, M.S.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Sally and Tim Goddard created the Nichola Goddard Foundation in memory of their daughter who was killed while serving in Afghanistan with the Canadian Armed Forces. Reflecting Nichola's desire to help others build better lives, the organization has established two university scholarships and funded the installation of hundreds of solar-powered systems in rural Papua New Guinea that provide electricity for health care centres serving over a million people.
Rachel Lapierre, M.S.M.
Piedmont, Quebec
Lottery winner Rachel Lapierre decided to use her winnings to benefit the community by founding Le Book Humanitaire, a not-for-profit organization that follows a model of mutual assistance, co-operation and caring. Since its launch, Le Book Humanitaire has encouraged networking through Facebook and a website. To date, the organization has enabled donors to take concrete action over 15 000 times to help those most in need, both in Canada and abroad, and has become a model for social solidarity.
Julie E. Lohnes-Cashin, M.S.M.
Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia
High school teacher Julie Lohnes-Cashin founded the Nasivvik Music Club to give students the chance to learn and play both traditional Inuit and popular music. Now called the Tusanaarniq Sivumut Association – Music for the Future, it has grown to become an important part of cultural education in Nunavut, allowing hundreds of youth to develop their talents through organized workshops and exposure to professional performers.
Monique Nolett-Ille, M.S.M.
Odanak, Quebec
Monique Nolett-Ille is actively involved in promoting and protecting the cultural heritage of her people, the Abenaki Nation. As an Abenaki language teacher and consultant, she has inspired the members of the Odanak community to relearn their mother tongue, which was in danger of becoming extinct. By helping to create a new generation of teachers and by passing on her passion for the language, she has encouraged an entire community to keep its ties with the past.
Gradimir Pankov, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec
As artistic director of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Gradimir Pankov raised the profile of this cultural institution on stages across the world by infusing the company with a European-inspired, contemporary artistry. By giving Les Grands Ballets Canadiens a distinctive signature, he has made it one of the most innovative companies in the world and drew in new audiences.
Elizabeth Michelle Sullivan, M.S.M.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Michelle Sullivan's enthusiasm for preserving a scenic corner of Newfoundland is inspirational. As a leading figure in the Brigus Historical and Conservation Society, she has been instrumental in raising funds for the relocation and restoration of a working forge, as well as several other projects that evoke the village's past and its seafaring heritage. Thanks to partnerships she has built locally and provincially, Brigus continues to charm locals and tourists alike.
MEDAL OF BRAVERY
Noureddine Fard, M.B.
Longueuil, Quebec
On August 19, 2017, Noureddine Fard rescued a man from his burning car in Longueuil, Quebec. Mr. Fard found the unconscious victim inside the smoke-filled vehicle. He grasped him by the shoulders and attempted to pull him out, but realized the man's feet were caught under the pedals. While a bystander held the victim's shoulders, Mr. Fard leaned inside and freed the man's feet. He then proceeded to pull the man to a safer location until emergency services arrived.
Constable Michael Gallagher, M.B.
Smiths Falls, Ontario
Constable Daniel King, M.B.
Smiths Falls, Ontario
Sergeant Paul Klassen, M.B.
Lombardy, Ontario
On April 28, 2017, Smiths Falls Police officers Michael Gallagher and Daniel King, as well as Sergeant Paul Klassen, rescued a woman from her burning apartment in Smiths Falls, Ontario. After entering the apartment building, the three officers alerted residents to the fire by banging on doors and shouting for people to evacuate. Constable Gallagher then went to the smoke-filled third floor where, after having to retreat twice, he was able to locate a victim still in her apartment. He encountered the other two officers in the hallway and stairwell, and all three managed to remove the victim to safety. Constable Gallagher then went back inside a third time to ensure that the building was empty.
The Medal of Bravery awarded to Constable Michael Gallagher will be presented at a later date.
Constable Shaun De Grandpré, M.B.
Cornwall, Ontario
Constable Ryan Gillis, M.B.
Long Sault, Ontario
Constable Bryan David Martell, M.B.
Fall River, Nova Scotia
On June 14, 2015, RCMP constables Shaun De Grandpré, Ryan Gillis and Bryan Martell rescued several people from a burning apartment building in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Constables Gillis and Martell entered the third-floor apartment to look for victims, but had to retreat due to the intense heat and a smoke backdraft. They were met by Constable De Grandpré and proceeded to search and evacuate other units on that floor. Constable Martell had to forcibly evacuate a man who refused to leave his apartment. Constables Gillis and De Grandpré located a woman inside another unit—who also refused to evacuate—and brought her to safety. All three officers then continued their search efforts on the lower-level floors.
The Medals of Bravery awarded to Constable Shaun De Grandpré and Constable Ryan Gillis will be presented at a later date.
Michael Wassill, M.B. (posthumous)
Ottawa, Ontario
On May 15, 2013, Michael Wassill sacrificed his life trying to protect a friend who was being threatened by her ex-partner in Ottawa, Ontario. When the assailant showed up at his home, Mr. Wassill sent his friend upstairs to hide. He opened the door but refused to let the man inside. The man then tried to force his way in, but Mr. Wassill blocked him and attempted to push him out. During the struggle, the assailant pinned Mr. Wassill against the wall, fatally wounding him with a concealed weapon before fleeing the premises. Sadly, Mr. Wassill later died of his injuries.
The Medal of Bravery awarded to the late Michael Wassill will be received by his mother, Betty-Ann Wassill and his father, René Wassill.
Kevin Wiseman, M.B.
Val-des-Monts, Quebec
On January 18, 2017, Kevin Wiseman rescued his wife after their trail grooming machine broke through the ice on Lake McMullin, in Val-des-Monts. The couple were inside the vehicle when it sank into the lake. Mr. Wiseman was able to escape the fully submerged skidozer through the window, but when he surfaced, he realized his wife was still trapped. After descending three times, he located her and pulled her onto the machine's exposed shovel for a brief rest before guiding her over the ice and heavy snow to a nearby house.
SOVEREIGN'S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Yves Déziel
Boucherville, Quebec
Yves Déziel has been helping people with physical disabilities become more involved in their communities. His work with the Centre d'intégration à la vie active has instilled many with confidence and courage, which is reflected in the recognition and appreciation shown by the community at large.
Isabelle Ducharme
Montréal, Quebec
A passionate champion of universal accessibility, Isabelle Ducharme has encouraged people with limited mobility to explore the world and has promoted better access among members of the tourism and culture industries. As a public speaker and as a volunteer with advocacy organizations such as Kéroul, she has raised the profile of accessibility issues at the national and international levels.
Daniel Pépin
Montréal, Quebec
Since 1969, Daniel Pépin has volunteered within his community and has contributed to several organizations including the Space Camp Cosmodome in Laval, the S.P.C.A., the local school and Club Optimiste. He is passionate in his promotion of healthy activities and lifestyles for the citizens of Laval, and has coached soccer and hockey.
Timothy Sproule
Scarborough, Ontario
Over a 14-year span, Timothy Sproule has travelled to 30 countries, working in conjunction with other surgeons to provide medical aid to the impoverished. His selfless dedication to helping the less fortunate has earned him high praise in the Toronto medical community.
Céline Tardif
Montréal, Quebec
For close to 30 years, Céline Tardif has been a companion to a woman with developmental disabilities through Parrainage civique les marronniers (PCM). Throughout their rare, long-term relationship, Ms. Tardif has always been available for her 'buddy' and has even involved her own family and friends in assisting with wrapping and delivering Christmas presents for the PCM.
Nathan Clement Wai-Chun Yiu
North York, Ontario
For the past 14 years, Nathan Clement Yiu has served his community as a cadet, as a camp counsellor and as a Scout with the 11th Toronto Group. Whether he is providing food to Toronto's homeless or mentoring youth to become responsible citizens, he endeavours to make his community a better place.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON CANADIAN HONOURS
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
For further information: Media information: Sara Régnier-McKellar, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, 613-301-2465 (cell), [email protected]
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