September 1, 2004 OTTAWA–Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, today announced that twenty-one Meritorious Service Decorations (civil division) have been awarded to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to Canada. Recipients will be invited to receive their decorations at a presentation ceremony to be held later this year. The Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that brought honour to their community or to Canada. These decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System and, like the Order of Canada, they recognize excellence. However, Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a single achievement or an activity over a specified period, while the Order of Canada focuses on lifetime achievement. The Meritorious Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians. Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted. On the recommendation of the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee (Meritorious Service Decorations–civil division), the Governor General is pleased to announce the following awards: Meritorious Service Cross Danièle Sauvageau, M.S.C., St-Lambert, Quebec Meritorious Service Medal Charlene Alexander, M.S.M., Whitehorse, Yukon Suellen Beatty, M.S.M., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Douglas C. Bridge, M.S.M., Guelph, Ontario Lisa Susan Brown, M.S.M., Toronto, Ontario Heather Crowe, M.S.M., Ottawa, Ontario Jacqueline Eunice Davis, M.S.M., Vancouver, British Columbia Brian John Halbert, M.S.M., Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Major Bruce Henwood, M.S.M., C.D. (retired), Calgary, Alberta Klaas P. Huisman, M.S.M., Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Jan H. A. Koorenhof, M.S.M., Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Sister Odette Lefebvre, M.S.M., Montreal, Quebec Kathleen Janet Louis, M.S.M., Burnaby, British Columbia Elizabeth MacFarlane Grandbois, M.S.M., Burlington, Ontario André Michel, M.S.M., Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec Donald Winston Paty, M.S.M., Vancouver, British Columbia Susan Rose, M.S.M., Sackville, New Brunswick Kevin John Saylor, M.S.M., Kahnawake, Quebec Elisabeth (Lisa) Angelika Stinson, M.S.M., Calgary, Alberta Christine Wandzura, M.S.M., Calgary, Alberta Roy Wordsworth, M.S.M., Toronto, Ontario The citations follow. -30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 993-8157 ou (613) 998-7280 Public information Chancellery of Honours Rideau Hall 1 800 465-6890 Citations Danièle Sauvageau, M.S.C., St-Lambert, Quebec Meritorious Service Cross As Head Coach, Danièle Sauvageau led the Women's Canadian Olympic Hockey Team to victory at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. The team captured the first ever Olympic gold medal in that discipline, when it defeated the USA in the final game. Selected as the Coaching Association of Canada's official spokesperson in July 2002, Ms. Sauvageau has since lobbied to promote the essential role of coaches, in particular the importance of increased participation by women in coaching positions. Charlene Alexander, M.S.M., Whitehorse, Yukon Susan Rose, M.S.M., Sackville, New Brunswick Meritorious Service Medal In 1989, Charlene Alexander and Susan Rose founded the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Held annually, the ten-day festival has grown into one of the premier events to celebrate and enhance northern arts and culture. It has become a venue for visual and performing artists, ranging from carvers and printmakers to traditional craftspeople, to showcase their works for the benefit of local visitors and world travellers alike. Through their drive and dedication, Ms. Alexander and Mrs. Rose have built a fledgling arts festival into a major cultural event that celebrates northern Canada's diversity and creativity. Suellen Beatty, M.S.M., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Meritorious Service Medal A passionate leader in the cause for improvement in long-term care, Suellen Beatty was instrumental in developing a $15 million project for Saskatoon's Sherbrooke Community Centre, which now provides a better home-like quality of life for its residents. In 1995, breaking with tradition, she initiated the "village concept", which groups together residents with similar needs, interests and culture. The innovative changes Mrs. Beatty has implemented have greatly contributed to reducing the monotony, loneliness and frustration that too often are the fate of those in long-term care. Douglas C. Bridge, M.S.M., Guelph, Ontario Meritorious Service Medal Douglas Bridge led a remarkable public fundraising campaign for the building of the River Run Centre, a performing arts and meeting facility which opened in 1997 in downtown Guelph, Ontario. With outstanding determination and perseverance, Mr. Bridge managed to convince more than 1400 businesses and community leaders to contribute some $5.6 million, well over one third of the project cost, to bring about the construction of the world-class cultural centre for the benefit of the community. Lisa Susan Brown, M.S.M., Toronto, Ontario Meritorious Service Medal In 1991, inspired and challenged by the talents and creativity of the patients with whom she worked, Lisa Brown founded the Workman Theatre Project (WTP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. The first of its kind, this unique arts company offers some 40 training programs to its members, and produces high-quality theatre performed by professional actors, as well as by people who receive mental health services. Under Ms. Brown's leadership, WTP has staged numerous major productions which have become touring shows and have played in more than 30 theatres across Ontario. Heather Crowe, M.S.M., Ottawa, Ontario Meritorious Service Medal Heather Crowe, a waitress for 40 years and a non-smoker, was diagnosed in the fall of 2002 with inoperable lung cancer caused by her lifelong occupational exposure to second-hand smoke. Despite her precarious health, she has since traveled across Canada to meet government officials, health workers and community activists, to encourage improvements in workers' protection from tobacco smoke. Ms. Crowe's experience also inspired a powerful media drive to help create smoke-free workplaces and to promote the importance of occupational health and safety everywhere in Canada. Jacqueline Eunice Davis, M.S.M., Vancouver, British Columbia Meritorious Service Medal In 1995, breast cancer survivor Jacqueline Davis founded the First Nations Breast Cancer Society, which offers breast cancer education and support to First Nations women. Ms. Davis has participated in numerous workshops, school fairs, conferences, healing circles and public speaking engagements. She was also instrumental in developing culturally appropriate information pamphlets and videos, which have provided hope and strenght to thousands of First Nations women. Elizabeth MacFarlane Grandbois, M.S.M., Burlington, Ontario Meritorious Service Medal In 1997, after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Elizabeth MacFarlane Grandbois became an international advocate and spokesperson for ALS. In an effort to raise awareness and generate funding for research, improved care facilities and equipment, Mrs. MacFarlane Grandbois spearheaded Elizabeth's Concert of Hope, held annually since 2001. Thanks to her selfless determination and commitment to the cause, the event, which features renowned Canadian performers, has since raised more than $1 million in the battle against this devastating illness. Brian John Halbert, M.S.M., Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Meritorious Service Medal On August 14, 2000, Brian John Halbert, a helicopter pilot with Northern Air Support of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, volunteered his services in order to rescue a young injured girl from a cliff at Cadomin Caves, southwest of Hinton, Alberta. Mr. Halbert was able to manoeuvre his helicopter into the canyon and steady it at a hover within two feet of clearance from the rock wall, thus enabling the search and rescue team to retrieve the victim from the mountain ledge. Although he had no specific rescue training, Mr. Halbert demonstrated great skill and the highest standard of professionalism and personal dedication. Major Bruce Henwood, M.S.M., C.D. (Retired), Calgary, Alberta Meritorious Service Medal Seriously injured during his tour of duty in Croatia, Bruce Henwood has fought relentlessly to ensure future military personnel in similar circumstances are adequately compensated. With exceptional leadership and perseverance, Mr. Henwood pursued his struggle to rectify a disparity in the benefits provided to serving and retired military members who sustained life-altering injuries in the performance of their duties. In 2003, his efforts resulted in the passing of federal legislation Bill C-44, recommending that adequate compensation be given to all military personnel injured during service, regardless of rank. Klaas P. Huisman, M.S.M., Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Meritorious Service Medal In his capacity as Secretary of Foundation Liberation 45, Klaas Huisman, a citizen of the Netherlands, has provided continuity in commemorating the liberation of the town of Apeldoorn by Canadian troops at the end of World War II. A dedicated supporter and true friend of the veterans, Mr. Huisman hosted the retired members of the Canadian Forces who attended milestone celebration ceremonies. He was also one of the principal coordinators of pilgrimages and festivities marking the 55th Anniversary of the liberation of Apeldoorn by Canadians, in 2000. Jan H. A. Koorenhof, M.S.M., Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Meritorious Service Medal Jan Koorenhof, a Dutch citizen, has been a key organizer of many special events for Canadian veterans in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. In 1996, he was appointed president of the National Canadian Liberation Monument Committee and became the driving force behind the creation of "The Man with Two Hats" statue, the national monument to the Canadian liberators. As a symbol of the historic bonds of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, the statue was unveiled in Apeldoorn in May 2000 before thousands of Canadian veterans, marking the 55th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Sister Odette Lefebvre, M.S.M., Montreal, Quebec Meritorious Service Medal Sisiter Lefebvre is the guiding force behind a social organization that provides an adapted worplace for people with hearing impairments and multiple disablities. In 1994, she founded the Atelier Mélisande, an organization that works in cooperation with the Association Action Plus, which she also established. In addition to overseeing staff and volunteer training in these centres, Sister Lefebvre demonstrates an unstinting commitment to creating an environment in which her protégés can grow, develop their potential and improve their living conditions. Kathleen Janet Louis, M.S.M., Burnaby, British Columbia Meritorious Service Medal In 1991, Kathleen Louis was instrumental in establishing the Elder-assisted parole hearings within the National Parole Board. Drawing on her own involvement in traditional Aboriginal culture, she conducted workshops and conferences on this innovative restorative practice, which offers a culturally sensitive hearing process for Native offenders. With the involvement of Elders, Ms. Louis' approach contributes greatly to providing wisdom and guidance to the offenders, as well as advice and knowledge to the decision-makers on traditional Aboriginal concerns. André Michel, M.S.M., Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec Meritorious Service Medal It was with the aim of promoting and providing a better appreciation of Aboriginal life and culture that world-renowned painter, sculptor and cultural ambassador André Michel established la Maison des cultures amérindiennes in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. Since its opening, more than 20 000 people have visited the exhibitions, or attended animation workshops, conferences and gastronomic tastings at this facility, the only one of its kind located outside a reserve in Canada. Mr. Michel's objective is to help visitors become more aware of the social context of Native people today and to foster mutual understanding. Donald Winston Paty, M.S.M., Vancouver, British Columbia Meritorious Service Medal Dr. Donald Winston Paty is credited with revolutionizing the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Between 1983 and 1986, he pioneered the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the understanding and treatment of this disease. In addition, Dr. Paty established databases which have provided both new insights into factors which influence the disease and the basis for comprehensive management of MS. Dr. Paty has shared his skills and expertise with numerous international organizations, and enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the top professionals in his field. Kevin John Saylor, M.S.M., Kahnawake, Quebec Meritorious Service Medal In l993, Kevin John Saylor founded and became Artistic Director of the Drama Project, a popular theatre initiative offered within the Kahnawake Shakotiia'takehnhas Community Services. By staging theatrical productions, Mr. Saylor has inspired the Mohawks of the Kahnawake Nation community to support the creative arts, while helping children, youth and adults alike in developing positive ways of self-expression through drama and music. Elisabeth (Lisa) Angelika Stinson, M.S.M., Calgary, Alberta Meritorious Service Medal As a tribute to her brother who died in the line of duty, Lisa Stinson established, in 1993, the Constable Rick Sonnenberg Memorial Society, through which she launched the Helicopter Airwatch for Community Safety (HAWCS) project. Under her leadership, $1.5 million have been raised to provide the Calgary Police Service with a patrol helicopter equipped to offer support and surveillance activity to ground-based police units. Thanks to Ms. Stinson's efforts, Calgary became the first municipal police agency in Canada to establish a full-time patrol helicopter. Christine Wandzura, M.S.M., Calgary, Alberta Meritorious Service Medal Since the death of her nine-year-old son due to cancer, Christine Wandzura has devoted herself to fundraising for a series of camps throughout Alberta for children with cancer. In 1995, she launched Kids Cancer Camps of Alberta, which expanded, in 1999, into the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. The organization provides programs and funding in three project areas: camps and community; clinical support for families of cancer patients; and pediatric oncology research. Ms. Wandzura's dedication and commitment have greatly benefited her community and contributed to improving the lives of children living with cancer. Roy Wordsworth, M.S.M., Toronto, Ontario Meritorious Service Medal Roy Wordsworth is the founding President of Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) of Canada, a national charitable organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and health care for senior members of the performing arts and allied professions. Following the opening, in 1993, of PAL Place in Toronto, the first residential lodge housing some 200 members of the arts community, Mr. Wordsworth's successful concept has expanded with chapters in four other cities: Calgary, Halifax, Stratford, and Vancouver.
