Presentation of Honours in Halifax
July 8, 2016
Governor General to Present Honours in Halifax
OTTAWA—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present honours during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at 1 p.m. (ADT) at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
More than 70 recipients from across the Atlantic provinces will be recognized for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service with one of the following honours: a Decoration for Bravery, a Meritorious Service Decoration or the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. The ceremony will be streamed live online at www.gg.ca/live starting at 1 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 Halifax (Annex A) and a list of recipients and their citations (Annex B) are attached.
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Media wishing to cover this event are asked to confirm their
attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at
Pier 21’s ticket counter no later than 12:45 p.m.
Media information:
Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-9166 (office)
613-852-3248 (cell)
marie-pierre.belanger@gg.ca
CEREMONY SCHEDULE
Media are asked to observe the following schedule:
12 p.m.: Media start to arrive at Pier 21
1 p.m.: Ceremony begins
The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia offers welcoming remarks
The Governor General speaks
The Governor General presents the honours
2:30 p.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.
ANNEX A
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON CANADIAN HONOURS
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 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 Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. The Medal builds on the legacy and spirit of the Caring Canadian Award by honouring the dedication and commitment of volunteers. For more information or to nominate a deserving volunteer, visit caring.gg.ca.
ANNEX B
RECIPIENTS AND CITATIONS
DECORATIONS FOR BRAVERY
Rorey Dee Chamberlain, M.B.
Saint-George, New Brunswick
Medal of Bravery
On January 19, 2014, Rorey Dee Chamberlain rescued a man who had fallen through the ice on the Kennebecasis River, in Rothesay, New Brunswick. After hearing the victim scream for help, Mr. Chamberlain ran to the frozen riverbank and began to break a path through the ice toward the man until he was chest-deep in the water. He then crawled over the remaining ice on his stomach to grasp the victim by the jacket and direct him safely back to shore.
Jason Ronald Comeau, M.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Medal of Bravery
On October 10, 2010, Jason Comeau rescued a woman from a tractor-trailer that had burst into flames following an accident on the Trans-Canada Highway, near Moncton, New Brunswick. After attempting to extinguish the rapidly growing fire, and despite the heavy smoke,
Mr. Comeau broke the driver’s side window to reach the victim. He managed to pull her out and bring her to safety less than a minute before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS
Paul A. Young, M.S.C.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
With great determination, Paul A. Young works to generate awareness of the issues facing people with a disability. Drawing purpose from his own battle with cerebral palsy, he helped found People First Nova Scotia to seek social justice and equality. He went on to serve as national president of People First of Canada, where he helped grow the organization and became well known for speaking out for disability rights.
Sandra Clarke, M.S.M.
Philip D. Hiscock, M.S.M.
Robert Hollett, M.S.M.
Harold J. Paddock, M.S.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Dr. Sandra Clarke, Philip Hiscock and Robert Hollett built on the earlier work of linguist Dr. Harold Paddock to create the Dialect Atlas of Newfoundland and Labrador, an online record of the province’s unique linguistic features. Their combined efforts have helped preserve the historic dialects of the region and contributed to our country’s cultural knowledge.
The decoration awarded to Mr. Hiscock will be presented to him at a future ceremony.
Peter James Cowan, M.S.M.
Anthony Kelly, M.S.M.
Byron Alexander Samson, M.S.M.
John Alexander Seymour, M.S.M.
Paul J. York, M.S.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
During a fierce winter storm in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canadian Coast Guard members Peter James Cowan, Anthony Kelly, Byron Alexander Samson, John A. Seymour and Paul Joseph York were called to secure an unmanned barge carrying diesel fuel that had been cut loose because of heavy seas. Despite the rough seas, the team worked to avoid an environmental catastrophe by boarding the icy barge, securing it and preventing it from crashing into nearby Henry Island.
Geoff Eaton, M.S.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
A two-time cancer survivor, Geoff Eaton discovered there were few support programs available for young adults living with cancer. In response, he established Young Adult Cancer Canada, which brings together patients from across the country to share their experiences, learn from their peers and form a broader network of support, notably through its annual summer conference.
Honorary Captain(N) Fred George, O.N.S., M.S.M.
Bedford, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Honorary Captain(N) George’s unwavering dedication to Canadian Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans from December 2011 to December 2014 has been commendable. He continuously enhanced the Royal Canadian Navy’s profile by providing flag and general officers with opportunities to engage with community and business leaders. Honorary Captain(N) George exemplifies the best of military values and has brought great credit to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.
J. A. Heffernan, M.S.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
After a fire destroyed the historic Church Lads’ Brigade (CLB) Armoury in 1992,
J. A. Heffernan’s leadership and perseverance led to the construction of an identical building exactly two years later. The renewed facility enables young corps members to follow in the footsteps of previous generations of the CLB, contributing to Newfoundland and Labrador’s proud military heritage.
Jessie Lynn Jollymore, M.S.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Jessie Jollymore is the founder and executive director of Hope Blooms, a community program in north-end Halifax that empowers at-risk youth to make a difference in the community by growing, preparing, marketing, selling and donating food grown in community gardens. Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the sale is used to support community initiatives, including a scholarship program for inner-city youth.
Major James Gerald Lynch, M.S.M., C.D. (Retired)
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Under the leadership of retired Major James Gerald Lynch, the Signal Hill Tattoo has grown into a major source of tourism for Newfoundland and Labrador. Partnering with local schools, this annual summer attraction celebrates the province’s storied military history, including that of the St. John’s Volunteer Rangers, the War of 1812 and the First World War.
Laurie Mallery, M.S.M.
Paige Alison Moorhouse, M.S.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
In 2009, Dr. Laurie Mallery and Dr. Paige Alison Moorhouse co-founded the Palliative and Therapeutic Harmonization (PATH) clinic. The PATH program offers innovative approaches that empower patients to become agents of their own end-of-life care and ensures that the most appropriate health care options are presented to them.
Roderick Allister McCulloch, M.S.M.
Gerald Walsh, M.S.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Avid runners Roderick Allister McCulloch and Gerald Walsh founded the Blue Nose Marathon in 2004 to raise money for local charities and to encourage an active lifestyle. The marathon is now the best-known running event in the Maritimes, attracting over 13 000 participants in 2014. It has also evolved into an entire weekend of festivities, including a wellness expo, 5- and 10-kilometre runs, a team relay and a youth run.
Michael Parkhill, O.Ont., M.S.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Michael Parkhill founded SayITFirst Inc. to promote endangered First Nations languages through the use of digital learning technologies. This innovative company has become a leader in Indigenous language revitalization by developing a computer-generated translation tool and by producing television shows and books for children in Maliseet, Mi’Kmaw, Ojibwe and Cree.
Maike van Niekerk, M.S.M.
Cornerbrook, Newfoundland and Labrador
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Determined to create a legacy for her mother who died of breast cancer, Maike van Niekerk created Katrin’s Karepackage, an organization that raises funds to offset rural cancer patients’ travel costs to access care in Halifax and St. John’s. She has cycled across Newfoundland and ran seven marathons in seven days to symbolize patients’ long journeys to access treatment.
Penny Walsh McGuire, M.S.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Penny Walsh McGuire was the driving force and executive director of PEI 2014 Inc., a non-profit organization established to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference and its important role in Canadian history. Her ability to mobilize partnerships led to a year of highly successful events throughout P.E.I., attracting Canadians from across the country to join in the celebrations.
SOVEREIGN’S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Colleen Bannon
Kensington, Prince Edward Island
Colleen Bannon is a strong supporter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and represents the organization at health fairs across Prince Edward Island. As a volunteer and ambassador, she performs blood pressure checks and educates the public on cardiovascular health throughout the province.
Emilienne Basque
Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick
For over 45 years, Emilienne Basque has worked to help society’s most vulnerable, whether by starting a food counter in her home or heading various organizations that promote equality and social justice in New Brunswick. Taking the form of advocacy and program leadership, her work has helped thousands enjoy a better quality of life.
Glenn Beers
Rothesay, New Brunswick
Glenn Beers has been involved with the Canadian Cancer Society for 14 years, serving on its New Brunswick board of directors, as well as with other organizations such as the United Way and Scouts Canada. He has supported Society fundraisers, and works to educate people and help those with cancer enjoy a better quality of life.
Jean-Luc Bélanger, C.M.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Dubbed the “father of the Jeux de l’Acadie,” Jean-Luc Bélanger is deeply committed to the betterment of communities. A visionary, he is actively involved in developing the Jeux de l’Acadie 50+, which gives Acadians and Francophones aged 50 and older the opportunity to take part in recreational, cultural and sports activities.
Michelle Blanchard
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Michelle Blanchard has been working to advance the arts and culture of Prince Edward Island’s Francophone and Acadian community through Music PEI and the Fédération culturelle de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Serving in executive positions with both organizations, she has helped preserve and nurture her culture in Atlantic Canada.
Patricia Burchell
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Patricia Burchell has been involved with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for 16 years. She regularly helps people needing assistance with one-on-one tax clinics, particularly residents of subsidized housing facilities and various seniors’ homes.
Richard Burns
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
As a volunteer with Special Olympics Prince Edward Island for 17 years, Richard Burns has served as a fundraiser, mentor, and coach of both floor hockey and bowling. He has also promoted personal development and growth through such organizations as Youth Bowl Canada, where he encourages athletes to reach their full potential.
Kenneth Campbell
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Initially becoming involved with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program 22 years ago, Kenneth Campbell has never looked back. He continues to assist those less fortunate in other capacities as well, such as with the Bell-Aliant Pioneers and Halifax’s Wee Care Centre.
Maurice Chiasson
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Maurice Chiasson has volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Bank of Montreal Hockey Heroes Weekend in Halifax for the past five years, and currently serves on the Foundation’s Nova Scotia board of directors. He continues to engage and motivate volunteers, participants and sponsors.
Mildred Cousens
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
A volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society for over 20 years, Mildred Cousens has worked towards eliminating cancer and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this disease. She is a role model who dedicates her time to the annual Holiday Card Campaign and the Daffodil Days Program, as well as ensures a warm atmosphere at Daffodil Place.
Jules Custodio
Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador
When Jules Custodio arrived in Labrador City in 1972, he began working to strengthen and promote the Acadian community. His efforts have proven fruitful, and his contribution has had a lasting impact with such organizations as the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador and the Labrador West Tourism Corporation.
Arthur Cuthbertson
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Since his retirement from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Arthur Cuthbertson has devoted his time to giving back to the military and to the larger community. He has become a respected figure in his community, as president of the social club in his apartment complex and through his work with the Dieppe Military Veterans’ Association.
Rita Esther d’Entremont
Middle West Pubnico, Nova Scotia
For more than 40 years, Rita Esther d’Entremont has served her community in a variety of roles across a broad range of activities. From secretary to president, at her local school, church and cultural centres, she has put in a great deal of effort that has touched and improved the lives of many.
Edmond Gallant
Mont-Carmel, Prince Edward Island
Alongside his wife, Zita, Edmond Gallant has promoted French arts and culture with such organizations as the Coopérative de développement culturel et patrimonial de Mont-Carmel and Communities in Bloom. Through the years, he has brought together P.E.I.’s Francophone community and preserved French language and Acadian heritage.
Zita Gallant
Mont-Carmel, Prince Edward Island
With her husband, Edmond, Zita Gallant has long served the Francophones of Prince Edward Island by organizing concerts and arts and heritage events. As an executive and leader with several organizations, she has worked to preserve and promote French language and Acadian culture.
Lan Tran Gien
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Lan Tran Gien has spent decades volunteering with the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, and also as an advocate for immigrants and minority women through the Multicultural Women’s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the National Organization of Immigrants and Minority Women of Canada.
Ronald Griffis
Berwick, Nova Scotia
Ronald Griffis has dedicated his time to improving the lives of his fellow veterans and their families through the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping. A former national president, he has established regional and provincial chapters across Canada to support veterans at the national, provincial and local levels.
Céline Guimond
Bouctouche, New Brunswick
Five years ago, Céline Guimond began volunteering with Vestiaire St-Jean Baptiste Inc., a food bank located in Bouctouche. She performs a variety of tasks, from serving patrons and maintaining the food bank’s stocks to assisting the manager in running the organization.
Scott Helle
Balls Creek, Nova Scotia
Over the past 17 years, Scott Helle has volunteered with the Frenchvale, Liverpool and Scotchtown fire departments as a firefighter and officer. He also served as the area commissioner for Scouts Canada on Cape Breton Island, where he established various Venturer companies, and is an instructor, mentor, and supply officer with the 29 Sydney Kiwanis Cadet Squadron.
Linda Kane
Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador
Linda Kane has been the volunteer curator of Cupids Museum. She coordinated the 400th anniversary events marking the founding of English Canada, the creation of the Cupids Legacy Centre, and various fundraising and educational initiatives. Responsible for overseeing programs and exhibits, she has shared this region’s historical importance with visitors, students and local residents alike.
Eshwar Kumar
Rothesay, New Brunswick
For the past 19 years, Eshwar Kumar has served as a member of the Canadian Cancer Society’s board of directors, and has raised funds through both the Relay for Life and his annual East Indian Charity Dinner and Auction. He has helped advance cancer research and patient care, and promotes civic engagement.
Maureen Leahey
Pugwash, Nova Scotia
Maureen Leahey has been the chair of the Pugwash Communities in Bloom chapter, promoting better health and environmental awareness through various projects, from the development of the Peace Ground in Eaton Park to the town’s annual Earth Day Cleanup. Her efforts promote civic engagement, co-operation, and respect for nature and one’s community.
Alida Léveillé-Brown
Campbellton, New Brunswick
Alida Léveillé-Brown has devoted herself to improving the lives of others for over 25 years, through such organizations as Campbellton Dames D’Acadie, the Restigouche Gallery and the Friends of Healthcare Foundation. Her efforts have promoted equality and improved access to educational and community resources.
Justin Lyall
Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador
As a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Justin Lyall has been dedicated to the communities he protects through such initiatives as Movember, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics, and the Children’s Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Cindy MacDonald
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Cindy MacDonald has volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Nova Scotia for over two years, assisting administratively and through such events as the Big Bike Ride. Her ongoing support ensures operations run smoothly and helps the Foundation in fulfilling its mission.
Douglas MacDonald
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Douglas MacDonald has been preparing income tax returns for people requiring assistance for over 15 years. His commitment to helping others extends beyond interacting with clients—it includes mentoring new volunteers and providing leadership.
A. Blaise MacEachern
Judique, Nova Scotia
Blaise MacEachern joined the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) organization in 1999; over the next 16 years, he contributed to the development of 92 kilometres of trail in Nova Scotia as a member of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation. He has made important strides in connecting Nova Scotia’s trails to the rest of the TCT by 2017.
Sterling “Stu” MacFadyen
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Sterling “Stu” MacFadyen is committed to fostering youth development through sport. He has volunteered as a coordinator and coach for the Charlottetown Minor Baseball Association, and helps with both the Spud Minor and the Early Bird hockey tournaments. He is also a Beaver leader and an usher with Holy Redeemer Parish.
Tom MacLeod
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
For over 20 years, Tom MacLeod has helped provide financial stability and support to low-income families and seniors through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. His guidance and assistance has helped provide financial stability and support to many.
Robin McGee
Port Williams, Nova Scotia
In 2010, Robin McGee began volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society as an ambassador with the organization’s CancerConnection program. She endeavours to help those in need through fundraising, participating in the Relay for Life, and encouraging the Nova Scotia government to approve the use of FOLFOX chemotherapy.
Pauline McLean
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Pauline McLean has been a part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in Cape Breton for over 40 years. First becoming involved at her local YMCA, she continues to help low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities with their taxes.
Donald McLeod
Vernon Bridge, Prince Edward Island
Donald McLeod has been canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for the past seven years, assisting with annual campaigns, distributing information about cardiovascular health and raising awareness. His dedication and ongoing commitment has advanced the Foundation’s mission of creating a healthier country.
Dorine Melanson
Bouctouche, New Brunswick
Dorine Melanson is one of Bouctouche’s most loyal volunteers. For the past 22 years, she has offered her services at both Manoir St-Jean Baptiste, helping with the residents’ activities, and Vestiaire St-Jean Baptiste Inc., performing such tasks as stocking shelves and dividing, sorting and weighing food donations.
Lloyd Melanson
Halifax, Nova Scotia
For over 20 years, Lloyd Melanson has been volunteering with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and St. Benedict’s Church. He oversees finances at the church and coordinates the tax program’s team of volunteers throughout the Halifax region.
Marilyn Melanson
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marilyn Melanson has been a volunteer with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for over 25 years. She assists members of the community, coordinates volunteers and offers financial guidance.
Allan Murray
Stellarton, Nova Scotia
For 19 years, Allan Murray has been helping people who require assistance with their taxes through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. He has helped grow the program and recently began working to establish a clinic at the Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility.
Sarah Paynter
Kensington, Prince Edward Island
Seeing the need for a swimming program, Sarah Paynter joined Special Olympics Prince Edward Island over 19 years ago to do just that, and she continues to serve as a mentor and coach, both locally and nationally. Respected by both the athletes and her fellow coaches, she continues to provide both support and leadership.
Ronald Porter
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ronald Porter has been devoted to his community and its well-being since he joined the Cadet Corps in 1968; since then, he has been an active volunteer with the Royal Canadian Legion, travelling throughout the province to provide counselling, assistance and recognition for veterans. He also gives of his time to the Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.
Marjorie Purdy
Rusagonis, New Brunswick
In addition to serving as a cadet instructor, Captain Marjorie Purdy has dedicated her time to the Oromocto Biathlon Club, where she has undertaken various coaching and administrative roles to ensure things run smoothly.
Kaitlyn Reher
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
For almost 10 years, Kaitlyn Reher has been a leader and a teacher, committing herself to the well-being of others as a Scout leader, and with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Her work has helped generate a sense of community, and she continues to bring people together by connecting with stakeholders.
Joan Elizabeth Routledge
Sussex, New Brunswick
Having founded the Sussex chapter of Communities in Bloom (CiB) in 2011, Joan Elizabeth Routledge has overseen the creation of a number of green spaces and a community garden, and has engaged a broad range of stakeholders. She has successfully promoted community, environmental sustainability and civic pride through her efforts.
Brittany Russell
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
When Brittany Russell began coaching rhythmic gymnastics for Special Olympics Newfoundland three years ago, she helped foster healthy competition and positive growth. Since then, she has helped transform 14 men and women from quiet individuals into self-assured athletes and members of the community.
Linda Maureen Follett-Ryan
Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador
In 2011, while recovering from breast cancer treatments, Linda Follett-Ryan established Pink Days in Bloom, a fundraising initiative for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation run in conjunction with Communities in Bloom. Her activities, from the Sharing Our Strength Breast Cancer Support Group to the Evening of Pink, have brought people together and inspired civic growth.
Eben Sabean
Plympton, Nova Scotia
For more than 30 years, Eben Sabean has been a leader within his community, commanding volunteer firefighters out in the field and instructing cadets. His efforts with the Army Cadets have given youth from various backgrounds the opportunity to become well-rounded citizens and achieve success.
Daren Simmons
Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia
For the past five years, Daren Simmons has been helping athletes with intellectual disabilities harness their own strengths and abilities as a coach and regional program coordinator with Special Olympics Nova Scotia. He provides hands-on leadership to athletes in basketball, athletics, snowshoeing and floor hockey.
Michael Steele
Halifax, Nova Scotia
For the past five years, Michael Steele has supported the Heart and Stroke Foundation and its annual Bank of Montreal Hockey Heroes Weekend in Halifax as a volunteer and a committee member. He has helped raise over $1.1 million towards research and recovery as a Foundation ambassador and volunteer.
Joan Tufts
Clare, Nova Scotia
Joan Tufts has promoted and facilitated better mental health for over 15 years, in addition to sharing Acadian culture and heritage through La Guilde Acadienne de Clare. Her passion for both her community and the well-being of others has led to a more equitable and inclusive Nova Scotia.
William Whelan
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
William Whelan has been involved with the Canadian Cancer Society for over 10 years, as well as the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Science Fair and the PEI Home and School Federation. He has promoted dialogue between individuals and expanded community involvement in the province.
Estella Wilson
Truro, Nova Scotia
Estella Wilson has been helping others since the 1970s as a volunteer with the Christmas Index Program, St. David’s United Church, and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. She brings people together, provides assistance, and demonstrates the value of community and kinship.
