Meritorious Service Cross

• Awarded on: May 9, 2000
• Invested on: September 15, 2000

Wendy Cukier, M.S.C., Toronto, Ont.
Heidi Rathjen, M.S.C., Montréal, Que.
Meritorious Service Cross (civil division)

In 1990, Wendy Cukier and Heidi Rathjen founded the Coalition for Gun Control and became the driving force in the crusade to have Bill C-68 become law. Operating with limited financial resources, they provided the necessary focal point for research, strategy and fundraising to deal with this significant public issue. Thanks to Ms. Cukier and Ms. Rathjen’s energy, determination and commitment to reduce violence, the controversial proposal was kept on the legislative agenda until stricter gun control guidelines were implemented. They continue to be leaders in the gun control movement in Canada.