Defence Team member awarded prestigious award from the Governor General of Canada

January 20, 2020 - Defence Stories

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Defence Team Member, Eric Hansen, was recently awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, from the Governor General of Canada.

A Defence Team member was awarded the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for his long-standing service to Scouts Canada and young Canadians.

Eric Hansen, an Administrative Services Manager with ADM(IM), in Gatineau, QC, has been involved with Scouts Canada over the past decade. He has taught Scouts members survival skills, map-reading and first-aid techniques. Moreover, Mr. Hansen, affectionately known as “Baloo” by his scout troupe, volunteers his weekends to participate in camping trips, and has donated materials and equipment to ensure all are able to participate in the Scouts Canada program. 

In describing their objectives, Hansen highlighted the main pillars of the program. “Scouting will teach young people how to put up a tent, make a wood fire, set up a camp and organize themselves in nature, take their place in a group, develop their creativity through play, and most of all, give them the opportunity to have fun outside instead of watching television or playing a video game.  In short, we teach them to live together.”

Officially created by Her Majesty The Queen, Canadian Honours are presented by the Governor General to celebrate and thank extraordinary people for their tremendous contributions to our country. The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is the highest honour for volunteer service that an individual can receive within the Canadian Honours System. 

In 2019, approximately 400 medals were presented to volunteers that have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada. 

Bravo Zulu to Mr. Hansen on a significant achievement!

 

The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

What is the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers?

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is an annual awards program administered by the Chancellery of Honours, within the purview of the Office of the Governor General of Canada. The Medal recognizes living Canadians who have had a significant, sustained and unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada and abroad. Nominations for the prestigious award are accepted year-round, and medals are presented by the Governor General at an Awards ceremony held annually at Rideau Hall.

The Medal is part of the Canadian Honours System, a program created by the Crown to honour exemplary Canadians. The current iteration of the Award replaced the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, which was created in 1995, by former Governor General the Right Honourable Romeo Leblanc. 

Description of the Medal

The Medal itself is crafted from silver and is 36 mm in diameter. Inscribed on one side of the medal is an effigy of the Sovereign, the Canadian Royal Title, and the word “CANADA” nestled between two Maple Leafs. The reverse displays two hearts set within five Maple Leafs, encapsulated by a Crown. The Medal is bound by a deep red, gold and blue ribbon. 

How to Nominate a Colleague for an External Award

Visit the External Awards page (link accessible only on the National Defence network), complete the appropriate nomination form in full, obtain the required letters of support, and submit to your L1 Awards and Recognition Coordinator.

More Information: View the External Awards Maple Leaf article for more detailed information.

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