OTTAWA—Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) to Mrs. Thérèse Tanguay Dion, founder of Fondation maman Dion, during a ceremony that took place in Terrebonne, Quebec. The work of 21 of the foundation’s volunteers was also recognized with the presentation of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.
Mrs. Tanguay Dion’s citation is as follows:
Thérèse Tanguay Dion, M.S.M.
Charlemagne, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)
Thérèse Tanguay Dion is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of countless students in Quebec through the organization that she established in 2006. At the beginning of each school year, the Fondation maman Dion helps thousands of young people from underprivileged backgrounds by providing them with the school supplies, clothing and glasses they need to start the year with confidence and pride. The generosity, humility and dedication of this caring woman of action have played a significant role in boosting the self-esteem and desire to succeed in these children at a time in their lives when they need it the most.
About the Meritorious Service Decorations
The Meritorious Service Decorations are part of the Canadian Honours System and include a military and a civil division. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or activity over a limited period of time, which brought honour to their community or to Canada. Additional information on this honour is available online at www.gg.ca/msd.
A fact sheet on the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) is also attached.
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The Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)
Outstanding achievements are always worth celebrating. The civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations (MSD) enables the governor general, on behalf of all Canadians, to recognize an individual for a remarkable feat accomplished over a limited period of time.
The Meritorious Service Cross, which was the first Meritorious Service Decoration, was created for the military in 1984. In 1991, a Meritorious Service Medal was added to the military division. At the same time, the Cross and Medal were introduced for civilians. The Meritorious Service Decorations are part of the Canadian Honours System.
An individual is eligible to receive this honour when his or her recent and specific deed or activity demonstrates outstanding personal commitment, brings benefit or honour to Canada, and sets an exemplary standard of achievement. This honour does not recognize lifetime achievements; rather, it highlights an individual’s recent contribution that has brought great honour to Canada. Non-Canadians may be honoured as long as their accomplishment relates to Canada. The Meritorious Service Decorations can be awarded posthumously.
The Meritorious Service Decorations are given for contributions in any field of endeavour. From advocacy activities to health care services or research, and from public service to humanitarian achievements, MSD recipients excel in a broad range of activities. For example, some have helped prevent suicide, reduced violence towards women and children, or raised awareness of worthwhile causes, both in Canada and abroad.
The Meritorious Service Cross (M.S.C)The Civil Division Cross recognizes a deed or an activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, or according to uncommonly high standards; the activity is often innovative, sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings considerable benefit or honour to Canada.
The Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.)The Civil Division Medal recognizes a deed or an activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner, or according to a very high standard; often innovative, this deed or activity sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings benefit or honour to Canada.
Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual for the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division). For more information, please visit www.gg.ca/msd.
