Presentation of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Extraordinary women and men from every generation were recognized during a special event that presented, simultaneously, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Mr. Yvon Fontaine, rector of the Université de Moncton, addressed the guests gathered at the university, where the presentation was taking place.

“The individuals we are honouring today remind us that there are other ways to live in society. Ways that are more fraternal, more just and more human. And it is with joy—and, I would add, with great emotion—that I pay tribute to them today, right here, in the region where the creator of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, my predecessor the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, was born and raised.”

Created in 1996, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community. Ms. Suzanne Dugas, of Beresford, was one of the recipients. She has helped many immigrants to build a new life here and become a part of the community.

Mr. Paul R. Hanson, of Northampton, was also a recipient of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. He has committed himself to veterans and has helped the Salvation Army to reach out to those most in need.

As the national chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, the Governor General also presented the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award to 10 young Canadians. Founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Award is a program that encourages youth to be active, to participate in new activities and to pursue current interests in four different areas: Community Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. Among those presented with Duke of Edinburgh Awards was Allison MacEacheron of McLeod Hill.

Davin Sooley of Hampton, is now among the almost six million young people from 126 countries around the world who have challenged themselves by participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards since its creation in 1956. The program came to Canada in 1963.