Inaugural Presentation Ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee Medal

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, are pictured with the 60 recipients who were presented with the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was presented to 60 recipients from across the country and various walks of life during the inaugural presentation ceremony on February 6, 2012, at Rideau Hall. This commemorative medal will be presented throughout the year to 60 000 deserving Canadians to celebrate significant contributions and achievements and to recognize those who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated themselves to service to their fellow citizens, their community and their country.

During the ceremony, the Ottawa Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys performed two songs that were also performed during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in June 1953.

"The first 60 recipients with us today represent a mosaic of individual experiences and accomplishments; most do not even know each other," said His Excellency. "But after today, you have a common bond with one another. I encourage you to continue your work in building a country of which we can all be proud, as well as to inspire others to take up the call to help people in need."

Xinsheng (Simon) Zhong (Toronto, Ontario) was recognized for offering services to new immigrants and for promoting Chinese culture in Toronto.

W. Brett Wilson, C.M. (Calgary, Alberta) was recognized for his many contributions as an entrepreneur, community leader and mentor.

Hannah Catherine Taylor (Winnipeg, Manitoba) was recognized for her contributions to her community, and for raising awareness in support of the homeless.

Constable Anne O’Shaughnessy (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) was recognized for her dedication to the health, safety and physical well-being of the Aboriginal youth of Prince Edward Island.

Bryna Monson (Ottawa, Ontario) was recognized for her ongoing work with Languages of Life, and for providing Canadians with the means to communicate with each other in different languages.

Huguette Lépine (Québec, Quebec) was recognized for her dedication to helping young people cope with life’s challenges, and for providing them with the support they need.

Johnny Issaluk (Iqaluit, Nunavut) was recognized for his contributions towards improving the health and community well-being among Nunavutmiut.

Bryden Hutt (Yarmouth, Nova Scotia) was recognized for his dedication to and efforts in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Darrell Fox (Vancouver, British Columbia) was recognized for his dedication to finding a cure for cancer and for raising the public’s awareness of Terry Fox’s legacy.

Alexandre Bilodeau (Montréal, Quebec), was recognized for his contributions to sports and for inspiring others to follow their golden dreams.

The Ottawa Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys—Christchurch Cathedral’s principal choir—was formed in 1891 and is one of the few remaining choirs of men and boys in North America.

In the afternoon, the Diamond Jubilee Medal was also presented to the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.