Diamond Jubilee Medal Presentation

The Governor General presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to 29 recipients at the exhibit From Far and Wide – Honouring Great Canadians, in Ottawa. "All of you here—indeed, all of the recipients of this medal—have contributed so much to this country," said His Excellency. "You have strengthened our nation and as a result, it is a smarter, more caring place."

The Honourable Ed Broadbent, P.C., C.C. (Ottawa, Ontario), a champion of human and social rights, was recognized for his contributions to Canadian politics and democracy, as well as equality for women and for disadvantaged persons around the world.

Claudette Gravelle, C.M. (Ottawa, Ontario), was recognized for her volunteer work with people living in Ottawa’s disadvantaged neighbourhoods and with those living with HIV/AIDS.

Rick Mercer (Toronto, Ontario), a well-known and acclaimed television personality, was recognized for his generosity to a number of causes, namely anti-bullying, the environment, and the fight against malaria in Africa.

Christie Paquet and Stan Witten (Ottawa, Ontario), master engravers at the Royal Canadian Mint, were recognized for their important contributions to the creation and the production of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Shirley Post, C.M. (Peterborough, Ontario), was the driving force behind the establishment of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), where she served as its first director of nursing.

Jérôme Tremblay (Ottawa, Ontario), a well-known volunteer, created the Coopérative AMI JEUNESSE, which provides food, clothing, furniture and school supplies free of charge to Francophone families in Ottawa living below the poverty line.