Canada News
PM welcomes the creation of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Photo from Pm.gc.ca)
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the announcement of the creation of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. As Canada’s Sovereign and font of honours, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, has given her approval to this addition to the Canadian Honours System.
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers will recognize individuals who, through acts of volunteerism, have enriched the life of their communities and, by extension, Canada.
The design of the new medal was released earlier today by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. The medal program will be managed by the Chancellery of Honours as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, which is responsible for administering the Canadian Honours System.
The timing of today’s announcement comes in advance of September 9th – the date upon which Her Majesty’s reign will officially surpass that of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, making her the longest reigning Sovereign in the modern era of Canada.
The Governor General presents honours and awards in the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of all Canadians to recognize those people who have demonstrated excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service in ways that bring special credit to this country.
Each year, hundreds of Canadians earn our applause and gratitude, from community volunteers, astronauts and actors to members of the military, scholars and everyday citizens. Our Canadian Honours System gives them the opportunity to join an order or to be granted a decoration or medal in recognition of their tremendous contribution to our society.
“Service to others is a core value of what it means to be Canadian. On September 9, 2015, we will celebrate Her Majesty’s service to our country as our longest reigning Sovereign in the modern era of Canada. Through their actions, recipients of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers exemplify Her Majesty’s own extraordinary record of service to Canada and all Canadians for over 63 years.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
