Parliament Hill, Ontario – The Honourable Gordon O’Connor, MP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, today presented Ottawa-area deserving individuals with Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals.
In 2012, Canada will mark the 60th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty The Queen as Queen of Canada. To celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, a special program is being implemented to honour The Queen’s reign, her service and her dedication to this country, as well as to celebrate Canadian achievements of the last 60 years.
To date, there has only been one Diamond Jubilee celebrated in Canada—that of Queen Victoria in 1897. This anniversary therefore provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our traditions, history, symbols, values and institutions, particularly about the role of the Crown in Canada.
Some 60,000 Diamond Jubilee medals—to match the 60 years of service of Her Majesty—will be given to Canadians throughout the year. This is a legacy that honours Her Majesty and recognizes the service of Canadians from all walks of life and backgrounds who have made significant contributions to their communities. The achievements of younger Canadians who are actively contributing to our future will also be a focus.
“Since 1952, Her Majesty has been steadfast in exemplifying the true meaning of public service. The Diamond Jubilee reminds us of Her Majesty’s service to Canada and the central role of the Crown throughout the decades in our ongoing evolution as a country,” said Minister of State O’Connor. “I encourage all Canadians to get involved in celebrating our sense of belonging to the greater Commonwealth family and expressing our pride in what we have accomplished as Canadians over the past 60 years.”
Recipients’ names and biographical information are attached. More information on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal is available online at www.gg.ca/diamondjubilee.
