Wednesday September 11, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated September 12, 2024]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Another round of King Charles III Coronation Medals were announced in Victoria today.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was launched upon coronation of King Charles in May 2023. Awards in his name have been issued in communities across Canada this year.
The medals recognize people who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
The process of recommending names of award nominees has been undertaken by MPs, Lieutenant Governors, and MLAs across the country.
Victoria ceremony September 11:
Presenting the King Charles III Coronation Medals at The Union Club in Victoria on September 11 was carried out by several high-profile BC MLAs:
- Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure – Rob Fleming (Victoria-Swan Lake / not seeking re-election);
- Minister of Children and Family Development – Grace Lore (seeking re-election in Victoria-Beacon Hill);
- Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation – Murray Rankin (Oak Bay-Gordon Head / not seeking re-election);
- Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport – Lana Popham (seeking re-election in Saanich South);
- Minister of Finance – Katrine Conroy (West Kootenays / not seeking re-election); and
- Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials – Ravi Parmar (Langford-Juan de Fuca / seeking re-election in Langford Highlands), on behalf of Mitzi Dean (Esquimalt-Metchosin / not seeking re-election).
Medal recipients:
The following community leaders were each awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal:
Presented by Grace Lore:
- Ace Mann – President of the Victoria Pride Society, who has increased resources, accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity within the Victoria Pride festival and society.
- Kim Dixon – Executive Director of James Bay New Horizons, which delivers programs for seniors to promote connection, health, wellness, and support.
- Jessica Duncan – founder of Singing Bowl Granola, who launched the SBG Porridge Project, delivering thousands of servings to students at local schools, as well as donating granola bars to support unhoused people in Victoria.
- Harjas Singh Popli – Executive Director of Fateh Care Charity, a mobile food bank providing groceries and other necessities to vulnerable community members.
Presented by MLA Popham:
- Michael Edward Heppell – a longtime Victoria Fire Department firefighter who served as Fire Chief for 17 years, as well as serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and with organizations like the Red Cross.
Presented by MLA Fleming:
- Rabbi Harry Brechner – of Congregation Emanu-El, who has championed community dialogue, interfaith connections, and community service.
- Bhagwant Singh Jawanda (award accepted by family) – the first Indo-Canadian urban planner in BC, working for the BC government in municipal affairs from 1960 to the late 1980’s. Took part in the first agricultural land commission and was part of the team that developed the OCP and land use plan for Whistler Village. Held one of the first South Asian multicultural events in BC decades ago. Turned 100 years of age in January 2024.
- Charlayne Thornton-Joe – a former Victoria City Councillor and longtime advocate for Victoria’s Chinatown and the Chinese community, helping share and recognize the community’s history and legacy in Victoria.
- Kelly Scott – President of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association (awarded on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).
- Nav Malhotra – Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) local 1611 (awarded on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).
Presented by Minister Conroy:
- Dana Hayden – Chair of the Board of Infrastructure BC, Chair of the SFU Beedie School of Business Advisory Committee, facultary member with the United Way Public Policy Institute; working in corporate sustainability (environmental, social responsibility and governance).
- Kathy Eichenberger – Executive Director, Columbia River Treaty in the Utility Regulation Division of the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation; positions in other environmental assessment offices.
Presented by MLA Parmar, on behalf of MLA Dean:
- Maurine Karagianis – a former Esquimalt Municipal Councilor and MLA from 2005-2017, and current enthusiastic volunteer for local initiatives.
- Robert Saunders – an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has supported and invested in local organizations and nonprofits, and began the “Comfy Kids Program” providing cars to families to get to and from BC Children’s Hospital.
- William McElroy (unable to attend)
Presented by MLA Rankin:
- Jamie Cassels – served as president of the University of Victoria from 2013 to 2020, and has been honoured as an exceptional educator and leader in institutional growth at UVic.
- Caitlin Davies – a passionate and committed Commissioner and Leader for local Girl Guide groups, helping empower and inspire girls and young women locally.
- John Hillman (posthumous) – a WWII veteran who in recent years walked laps of his retirement home to raise money for Save the Children, and continued to advocate and fundraise until his passing at 105.
===== RELATED:
- West shore mix: Stew Young & Moe Sihota supported by family & friends (September 5, 2024)
- Four west shore recipients of the King Charles III coronation medal (September 4, 2024)
- Former Langford Mayor Stew Young receives King Charles III coronation medal (September 4, 2024)
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