Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen is seeking nominations for a new service medal dedicated to King Charles III.
The federal governor general is administering the medal program, honouring the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023. In total, 30,000 medals will be given to deserving individuals, with the criteria being those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or a particular community or attained an outstanding achievement that brings credit to Canada.
Van Bynen senior advisor Ian Proudfoot said it is a way to recognize those doing outstanding things.
“The vast majority of people who would quality, they don’t do it to get an award,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to say thank you, and I think that’s incredibly important. It’s an opportunity to inspire others, to see the work someone has done. When you do the things that make communities better places to live, I’m a firm believer that makes you feel better.”
The medals will go to deserving individuals across the country. Van Bynen’s office has about 20 of the medals to award. Partner organizations from across the country will be helping to determine candidates and Proudfoot said Van Bynen will have a small committee to help select local honourees.
“Being nominated, and then actually being given a medal, is a huge honour,” Proudfoot said, adding it is similar to when the government awarded jubilee pins for Queen Elizabeth II a couple of years ago. “We were really struck by the number of people who have done remarkable things in our community.”
Nominees could be people with a long history of service in the community, Proudfoot said, whether with one organization or several.
“It is a way to recognize those doing outstanding things,” he added.
Van Bynen's office will accept nominations until Sept. 13. Those who would like to make a nomination can email [email protected], with a written outline not exceeding 450 words.
“Anytime there’s an opportunity, I know Tony (Van Bynen) feels this way, to celebrate, acknowledge and inspire, it’s a good thing to do,” Proudfoot said.
The Coronation Medal is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation.
To be eligible for this honour, a person must:
- have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and
- have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of The King’s Coronation.
More information is available on the Governor General's website.
