Diamond Jubilee Medal Presentation

His Excellency is pictured with the 58 recipients who were presented with the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Jonathan Palluq (Clyde River, Nunavut) is the director of Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural Learning Centre, which is dedicated to teaching traditional Inuit skills and knowledge that have sustained communities in the Arctic for centuries.

News correspondent and former co-host of “Canada AM”, Seamus O’Regan (St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and Toronto, Ontario) became the first journalist to be named to Canada’s Top 40 under 40. He has endorsed several community educational and cultural initiatives.

Master Warrant Officer Keith Paul Mitchell, C.V., M.S.M., C.D. (LaSalle, Quebec and Kentville, Nova Scotia), is one of only 20 Canadians to have been awarded the Cross of Valour, Canada’s highest decoration for bravery. The search and rescue technician jumped into freezing Arctic waters to provide aid to a critically ill fisherman onboard a ship.

Alice Milmore (Maniwaki, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario), a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 50 years. She has also assisted at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony for more than three decades.

A registered nurse, Dr. Lenora Marcellus (Victoria, British Columbia) advocates for substance-exposed mothers and newborns. She also provides training on infant care for foster parents and caregivers.

The popular rock group Simple Plan, to which Sébastien Lefebvre and Jeff Stinco (Montréal, Quebec) belong, is concerned about problems facing youth. Through its foundation, the group promotes music as a stimulating way for young people to find their passion and purpose in life, avoid street gangs and stay in school. The medals awarded to Pierre Bouvier, Charles Comeau and David Desrosiers will be presented to them at a later date.

Soprano Suzie LeBlanc (Edmundston, New Brunswick and Toronto, Ontario) has given numerous concerts in Europe, North America and Japan. She also founded the Académie Baroque de Montréal, which promotes baroque music.

Sensei Rebecca Khoury (Montréal, Quebec) has been president of Karate Canada since 2008. She is a five-time national champion and has competed around the world, bringing great honour to Canada.

Jane Dragon (Fort Smith, Northwest Territories) is a respected Chipewyan elder. She often speaks at schools and colleges to share her experience and to encourage students to excel in education, culture and sport.

A proud Northerner, Judson Deuling (Whitehorse, Yukon) is a teacher with over 20 years of experience. Among other initiatives, he contributes to the Professional Learning Community Program and he organizes the Yukon Youth Parliament every year.

Jean-François Delisle Roy (Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec) is actively involved with people with mental health problems, helping them to overcome obstacles and identify their needs as part of their recovery efforts.

Recipient of the 2012 Saskatchewan Junior Citizen of the Year Award, Anna Jean Currie (Regina, Saskatchewan) is to be commended for her inspiring volunteer work with the Regina Food Bank, the International Best Buddies program, and the Jean Vanier swim program through her school.

Active at the University of Prince Edward Island for more than 50 years, The Reverend Father Charles Cheverie (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) played a key role in the revitalization of traditional fiddling with the younger generation of PEI musicians.

When she was only 11 years old, Melanie Burton (Belleville, Ontario) created Reading Rocks!, a program that teaches kids to love reading by giving them access to material that suits their age group and encourages them to read.

Gary Agnew (Calgary Alberta) is Alberta chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. He also provides volunteer leadership and support to many organizations and global causes, including the Calgary Zoological Society.

"The year-long celebration of Her Majesty’s 60th anniversary as queen has been a chance to celebrate the very best of us," said His Excellency. "It has been a chance to rejoice in our common history, our dedication to service, and our commitment to building a smarter, more caring nation."

On February 6, 2013, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to 58 recipients from across the country and various walks of life during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. This commemorative medal has been presented over the last year to 60 000 deserving Canadians to celebrate significant contributions and achievements, and to recognize those who, like Her Majesty The Queen, have dedicated themselves to service to their fellow citizens, their community and their country.

A teacher in Winnipeg, Timmy Sharma (Winnipeg, Manitoba) works mainly with adolescent parents from First Nations. She is also an active volunteer for the breast cancer, juvenile diabetes and multiple sclerosis organizations.