Presentation of Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)

OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented two Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) at private ceremonies in Toronto.

Fran Herman, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)

Fran Herman is a pioneer of music therapy in Canada. Under her leadership, the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund has promoted the use of music as a treatment option for autistic children, adults with disabilities, people recovering from abuse or trauma, and patients in palliative care. Her unflagging efforts gave rise to the construction of the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, a hub for education and research in the field.

Doris Sommer-Rotenberg, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)

Doris Sommer-Rotenberg turned personal tragedy into positive social action when she initiated the Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Chair in Suicide Studies at the University of Toronto's Department of Psychiatry in memory of her son, who took his life after battling mental illness. The interdisciplinary team combines clinical, research and outreach programs to better understand mental illness, develop treatments and preventative approaches, and support health care professionals and policy makers.

About the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)
The Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a cross and a medal. Created in 1991, the Civil Division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brought honour to their community or to Canada. For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit merit.gg.ca.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Emily Keogh, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected]