Governor General to Present 27 Honours at the Citadelle of Québec
OTTAWA —His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will present honours to 27 recipients at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec, on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at 1:30 p.m.
The Governor General will present the following honours:
- 2 insignias of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces;
- 4 Military Valour Decorations;
- 14 Decorations for Bravery;
- 1 Meritorious Service Decoration (Military Division); and
- 6 Governor General's Caring Canadian Awards
The ceremony's schedule, fact sheets on each of the honours being presented, and the list of recipients are attached. For more information on the Canadian Honours System, please visit our website at www.gg.ca/honours.
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Media covering the ceremony must contact the Rideau Hall Press Office the day before the event. They will have to show their accreditation at the Citadelle gate, and access the Ballroom through the administration door.
Media information:
Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-852-3248 (cell.)
marie-pierre.belanger@gg.ca
Follow GGDavidJohnston on Facebook and Twitter
CEREMONY SCHEDULE
Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule:
12:45 p.m.: Media arrive at the Citadelle
13:30 p.m.: Ceremony begins
The Governor General speaks
The Governor General presents the honours
2:15 p.m.: Ceremony ends
2:30 p.m.: Interview with recipients
ORDER OF MERIT OF THE POLICE FORCES
Established in October 2000, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours the leadership and exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of the Canadian police services, and recognizes their commitment to this country. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order's Sovereign, the governor general is its chancellor and a Commander, and the commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is its Principal Commander.
Commander (C.O.M.)
Recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility over an extended period, usually at the national or international level.
Officer (O.O.M.)
Recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility over an extended period, usually at the regional or provincial level.
Member (M.O.M.)
Recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty over an extended period, usually at the local or regional/provincial level.
LIST OF RECIPIENTS
MEMBERS
Inspector William (Bill) A. Renton, M.O.M.
- Woodstock Police Service
Woodstock, Ont.
Superintendent John Schmidt, M.O.M.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
London, Ont.
MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS
Military Valour Decorations are national honours awarded to recognize acts of valour, self-sacrifice or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. The decorations were approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in 1993. They consist of the Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour.
A person is eligible to be awarded a Military Valour Decoration if that person, on or after January 1, 1993, was a member of the Canadian Forces, or a member of an allied armed force that was serving with or in conjunction with the Canadian Forces. The Decorations may be awarded posthumously.
The Victoria Cross (V.C.) recognizes the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy.
The Star of Military Valour (S.M.V.) recognizes distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy.
The Medal of Military Valour (M.M.V.) recognizes an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
LIST OF RECIPIENTS
STAR OF MILITARY VALOUR
- Corporal Jean-François Roger Donald Belzil, S.M.V.
Montréal, Que.
MEDAL OF MILITARY VALOUR
- Corporal Marc-André Cousineau, M.M.V.
Greenfield Park, Que.
- Sergeant Joseph André Steve Poulin, M.M.V., C.D.
Québec, Que.
- Corporal Marco Tremblay, M.M.V.
Jonquière, Que.
CITATIONS
Corporal Jean-François Roger Donald Belzil, S.M.V.
Montréal, Quebec
Star of Military Valour
Corporal Marc-André Cousineau, M.M.V.
Greenfield Park, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On April 9, 2011, upon intercepting enemy radio transmissions, 3 Platoon, A Company, awaited an attack on the security cordon established to the north of Zangabad, Afghanistan. When the first insurgent shot rang out, Corporal Belzil and Corporal Cousineau moved in that direction with their anti-tank gun, coming across a Canadian section and its Afghan counterpart pinned down under enemy fire, as well as a seriously wounded Afghan soldier lying out in the open. Thanks to Corporal Cousineau's effective covering fire, and despite heavy enemy fire, Corporal Belzil succeeded in destroying the stronghold from which the deadly insurgent shots originated. They both then pulled the wounded soldier to cover and administered first aid. Corporal Belzil and Corporal Cousineau's composure and disregard for personal danger helped to push back the enemy attack and save the life of an Afghan soldier.
Sergeant Joseph André Steve Poulin, M.M.V., C.D.
Québec, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
Sergeant Poulin distinguished himself through his bravery as a tank commander by ensuring security during a road construction project in Afghanistan. On several occasions, notably December 18, 2010, February 17, 2011, and April 23, 2011, he placed his tank in dangerous positions to protect civilians, coalition colleagues and Afghan security forces. Sergeant Poulin's courage and professionalism were instrumental in ensuring the success of this operation.
Corporal Marco Tremblay, M.M.V.
Jonquière, Quebec
Medal of Military Valour
On May 18, 2011, during an enemy ambush in Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan, Corporal Tremblay demonstrated courage and determination. When the first enemy shots were fired, a Canadian soldier was hit in the leg and unable to take cover. Keeping calm under continuous fire, Corporal Tremblay reached the soldier, immediately applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding and, during a lull, dragged the soldier to safety. Corporal Tremblay's bravery enabled him to save the life of a Canadian soldier.
DECORATIONS FOR BRAVERY
Created in 1972, the Canadian Bravery Decorations express symbolically the nation's gratitude to those people who risk their lives to save or protect others, defying in the process the instinct for self-preservation. As no two incidents in which bravery is exhibited are the same in all respects and all such incidents are conditioned by the circumstances under which they are performed, the three decorations were created to reflect the hazards encountered in widely differing situations:
The Cross of Valour (C.V.) recognizes acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
The Star of Courage (S.C.) recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril.
The Medal of Bravery (M.B.) recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
All three decorations may be awarded posthumously.
LIST OF RECIPIENTS
STAR OF COURAGE
- Simon Bernier, S.C.
Chambly, Que.
- Marcel Bouffard, S.C.
Delson, Que.
MEDAL OF BRAVERY
- Réal April, M.B.
Saint-François and Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski, Que.
- Éric Beaulieu, M.B.
Les Escoumins, Que.
- François Bergeron, M.B.
Québec and Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que.
- Alexandre Yves Duperré, M.B.
Baie-Comeau and Saguenay, Que.
- Sébastien Gilbert, M.B.
Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Que.
- Patrick Grondin, M.B.
Lévis, Que.
- Jules Groulx-Swennen, M.B.
Bedford, Que.
- Gisèle Huot, M.B. (posthumous)
Saint-Canut and Rimouski, Que.
- Constable Guillaume Jacques, M.B.
Montréal and Terrebonne, Que.
- Raphaëlle Jetté, M.B.
Saint-Jérôme and Farnham, Que.
- Sergeant François Paquette, M.B.
Montréal and LaSalle, Que.
- Constable Simon Rivard, M.B.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and
Carignan, Que.
CITATIONS
Simon Bernier, S.C.
Chambly, Quebec
Star of Courage
On July 16, 2010, Simon Bernier, then 15 years old, courageously rescued his father and his great-uncle from a burning plane, in a remote area of northern Quebec. The small plane had been carrying Simon, four family members and the pilot, when it crashed into a mountain and burst into flames. Simon escaped, while his younger brother, who had been thrown clear of the plane, lay injured nearby. Simon pulled his unconscious father from the fiery wreck and brought him a safe distance away. He then pulled out his great-uncle who had sustained multiple injuries and burns. Due to the intense heat and flames around the plane, he was unable to reach the other two victims. Sadly, his brother and father did not survive the crash. Yet Simon stayed focused and helped his great-uncle for over nine hours while guiding the rescue team to their position.
Marcel Bouffard, S.C.
Delson, Quebec
Star of Courage
On September 16, 2010, Marcel Bouffard rescued his friend after their boat had capsized in the Côte-Sainte-Catherine Bassin, Quebec. The two men were fishing during a light drizzle when the wind and rain suddenly intensified. When the friend reached to pull up the anchor, the boat tipped over and sent them both into the water. Mr. Bouffard grabbed his friend with one hand and held on to the hull of the boat with the other. For nearly two hours, in the heavy downpour, Mr. Bouffard held on to the panicked man as they made slow progress towards the shore. Once on land, Mr. Bouffard left the semi-conscious victim in a secure location and, in total darkness, made his way through difficult terrain to get help. Thanks to Mr. Bouffard's tenacity and courageous efforts, his friend survived.
Réal April, M.B.
Saint-François and Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski, Quebec
Gisèle Huot, M.B. (Posthumous)
Saint-Canut and Rimouski, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On February 12, 2010, Réal April and Gisèle Huot tried to rescue Ms. Huot's husband from the St. Lawrence River, near Rimouski, Quebec. The three friends had been snowshoeing when the victim fell through the ice. Just as Ms. Huot and Mr. April crawled close enough to reach him with their ski poles, the ice gave way and they also fell in. Mr. April managed to get out and, after several unsuccessful attempts to pull the other two out, ran to get help. Completely soaked and frozen, he walked over a kilometre towards some ice-fishing huts near the shore and screamed for help. A man heard him, called 911, and stayed with Mr. April until the ambulance arrived. Sadly, Ms. Huot and her husband did not survive.
The decoration awarded to the late Ms. Huot will be presented to her son, Mr. Samuel Carrier.
Éric Beaulieu, M.B.
Les Escoumins, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On December 17, 2009, Éric Beaulieu risked his life to save a friend while snowmobiling in Les Escoumins, Quebec. His friend inadvertently lost control of his snowmobile and wound up at the bottom of a ravine. For nearly half an hour, in temperatures nearing -25oC, Mr. Beaulieu made a Herculean effort to scale the ravine walls and push his friend to the top. He then placed the victim, who was suffering from chilblains, onto his snowmobile and safely transported him to his cabin before setting off in search of help. Along the way, his snowmobile ran out of gas, so he had to walk for two hours before finally being able to call 911. Thanks to Mr. Beaulieu's determination, his friend survived.
François Bergeron, M.B.
Québec and Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec
Alexandre Yves Duperré, M.B.
Baie-Comeau et Saguenay, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On January 11, 2010, Alexandre Duperré and François Bergeron saved two men from drowning after a wave carried them far from shore, in Santa Clara, Cuba. Alerted to the situation, Messrs. Duperré and Bergeron rushed through the rough water toward the distressed victims. They reached the exhausted men and, struggling against the strong waves, brought them safely to shore.
Sébastien Gilbert, M.B.
Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On November 13, 2008, Sébastien Gilbert risked his life to rescue a co-worker who was trapped in a silo at a concrete-mixing plant, in Saint-Eustache, Quebec. The man had been standing on the sand at the top of the silo, making repairs to machinery, when the doors at the bottom accidentally opened up and sucked him underneath. At the control panel, Mr. Gilbert stopped the operation, ran to the top of the silo and descended into the dark. Using his hands and his hard hat, he shovelled sand away from the victim to get his head uncovered. Mr. Gilbert called for help as the sand beneath them was unstable and more was continually falling on top of them. Firefighters arrived and got Mr. Gilbert out. After several hours, they also managed to free the victim.
Patrick Grondin, M.B.
Lévis, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On May 2, 2010, Patrick Grondin saved a woman who was being attacked by her former spouse, in Lévis, Quebec. Mr. Grondin saw the woman come out of her apartment, pursued by a man who was striking her with a machete as she attempted to flee. Mr. Grondin approached, ordered the attacker to stop and shouted at the victim to run. The attacker threatened Mr. Grondin with the weapon and began chasing the victim again. Mr. Grondin then threw himself on the suspect, immobilized him and restrained him until the police arrived, thus saving the victim's life.
Pascal Bergeron, M.B.
Knowlton, Quebec
Jules Groulx-Swennen, M.B.
Bedford, Quebec
Raphaëlle Jetté, M.B.
Saint-Jérôme and Farnham, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On May 14, 2010, Pascal Bergeron, Jules Groulx-Swennen and Raphaëlle Jetté rescued four friends from a possible drowning, in Costa Rica. During a senior high school trip, some of the students were caught in the undertow of the Caribbean Sea. Ms. Jetté and Messrs. Bergeron and Groulx-Swennen ran in and fought against the strong current to bring the four panicked girls closer to shore. Others then helped pull the victims to safety on the beach.
The decoration awarded to Mr. Bergeron will be presented at a later date.
Constable Guillaume Jacques, M.B.
Montréal and Terrebonne, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On November 19, 2009, Constable Guillaume Jacques of the Saint-Eustache Municipal Police rescued a suicidal man who had set fire to his house, in Saint-Eustache, Quebec. Dispatched to the scene, Constable Jacques heard the victim inside but was unable to see him due to the thick, black smoke. The Constable yelled at him to come out, but the man refused. Without thought to his own safety, Constable Jacques ran in and grabbed the man, who began to struggle to escape his grip. Constable Jacques applied a stronger hold to enable him to handcuff the victim and brought him forcefully outside.
Sergeant François Paquette, M.B.
Montréal and LaSalle, Quebec
Constable Simon Rivard, M.B.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Carignan, Quebec
Medal of Bravery
On June 23, 2009, City of Montréal police Sergeant François Paquette and Constable Simon Rivard rescued a woman who attempted suicide in the St. Lawrence River, in Verdun, Quebec. They had responded to a call concerning a woman who had deliberately driven into the river with her wheelchair. They arrived to find the victim several metres from shore, trying desperately to keep her head above the water. Constable Rivard ran into the river and reached her, but the panicked woman kept pushing him under water. Sergeant Paquette then jumped into the rough waters, where he and Constable Rivard struggled against the strong current to bring the woman safely to shore.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS (MILITARY DIVISION)
The Meritorious Service Decorations were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in 1984, to recognize individuals whose specific deeds or activities over a limited period of time (from five minutes to five years) have
- demonstrated an outstanding level of service; or
- set an exemplary standard of achievement; and
- brought honour to or benefited Canada.
This accomplishment must have taken place after June 11, 1984.
The Meritorious Service Cross — Military Division (M.S.C.) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces
The Meritorious Service Medal — Military Division (M.S.M.) recognizes a military deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner, according to a very high standard that benefits or brings honour to the Canadian Forces.
RECIPIENT AND CITATION
Major Jean-François Duval, M.S.M., C.D.
Québec, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal
As battery commander of the Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group from April to October 2009, Major Duval showed impressive tactical acumen that resulted in outstanding artillery support during numerous combat operations in Afghanistan. He provided his commander with detailed yet concise reports on the battery's capabilities, allowing for the optimal employment of artillery. As a result, his battery detachments were able to operate with surgical precision, thereby minimizing collateral damage. Major Duval's leadership and dedicated efforts were vital to the battle group's success and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.
GOVERNOR GENERAL'S CARING CANADIAN AWARD
Created in 1995, the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character.
LIST OF RECIPIENTS
- Lucette Boily Simard
Clermont, Que.
- Léo Descheneaux
Drummondville, Que.
- Thérèse Dion Langevin
Donnacona, Que.
- Élise Gignac Whittom
Sept-Îles, Que.
- Guy Rouleau
Thetford Mines, Que.
- Huguette G. Tremblay
Pierreville, Que.
CITATIONS
Lucette Boily Simard
Clermont, Quebec
Lucette Boily Simard has dedicated herself to numerous civic, religious and social causes for over 47 years. For instance, she has supported the United Way, the Red Cross, the Co-op de Clermont, the Cadet Corps and the Canadian Cancer Society. Ms. Boily continues to be actively involved in the volunteer committee of Les Porteurs de joie, the aim of which is to improve the quality of life for seniors in the region.
Léo Descheneaux
Drummondville, Quebec
For over 42 years, Brother Léo Deschenaux has guided hundreds of youths, helping them to find themselves and reach their full potential through sport. He established several teams and associations in his region for such sports as hockey, speed skating and archery. He has also been very actively involved in religious, social and community causes.
Thérèse Dion Langevin
Donnacona, Quebec
Thérèse Dion Langevin has been deeply committed to the Christian women's movement in her region. In 1968, she founded the Vestiaire de l'Ouvroir, an organization that helps low-income families. Through this organization, Ms. Dion Langevin has played a leading role in ensuring that young people have the opportunity to develop their talents through sport or music.
Élise Gignac Whittom
Sept-Îles, Quebec
Élise Gignac Whittom has advocated for and protected the interests of her community for over 40 years. She has volunteered her time for such endeavours as the Musée de Sept-Îles corporation, the expansion of a seniors' home, and the renovation of a church, for which she raised thousands of dollars.
Guy Rouleau
Thetford Mines, Quebec
In 1974, Guy Rouleau founded the Société minéralogique de la région de l'Amiante, which aims to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of Thetford Mines. He also founded an ornithology club, which increases awareness of the need to preserve the ecosystem, and set up the Thetford Mines Squadron of the Air Cadet League, which instils in youth a sense of discipline and encourages social involvement.
Huguette G. Tremblay
Pierreville, Quebec
Since 1975, Huguette Tremblay has devoted herself to bringing joy to seniors as a volunteer with Pierreville's Centre d'hébergement Lucien Shooner. As such, she has helped to improve seniors' quality of life by entertaining them or simply accompanying them as they go about their day-to-day tasks. She also founded the Meals on Wheels service in her village, which assists numerous families.
