We've seen the Queen's Jubilee Medal program celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 50 years as monarch, followed by the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal commemorating 75 years on the throne. A medal is forged for each significant milestone of the monarchy in Canada, and the next is the King's Coronation Medal.
Portage-Lisgar MP Branden Leslie says the medals haven't been delivered yet, but 20 have been allocated to his office for the region’s representation.
"In my view, this is just a fantastic opportunity to recognize individuals who have dedicated a lot of time and really shown a commitment to our community. So, we've set up a committee that will review nominations from across the region, aiming to be unbiased in choosing those deserving of such a medal. We obviously encourage many people to apply for it. It's a celebration of His Majesty King Charles III's Coronation, which happened last year. We've just opened the nomination process, and it's open until November 17th."
Leslie explains the nominees should be youth, seniors, volunteers, educators, veterans, healthcare workers, and anyone who has made a significant contribution to their community or country.
"I think there are many examples of that, and it's just a matter of putting it in writing and highlighting why that individual is worthy to be nominated for this important medal, honouring both the King and those who support our communities."
He notes his website, brandenleslie.ca, has information on the nomination process, and they are providing both paper and online submission options.
"In the past, it's included a wide range of individuals from various church groups, community organizations, sporting groups, and the like. We intend to hear the best stories we can from across our region of those who are often the unsung heroes. These are folks who aren't celebrated on a daily basis but really make our communities better places to live. I think this is a great opportunity to celebrate those people."
The nomination deadline is November 17, giving about three weeks to submit names.
"Our panel will decide before the end of the year, and we'll be handing out the medals early next year to properly honour the recipients in person. I would love to see hundreds of nominations, making it almost difficult for our committee to select the recipients because there are so many worthy individuals. Let's highlight the best and brightest unsung heroes across Portage and our region and celebrate their contributions."
Nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen and a resident of the Portage-Lisgar constituency.
- Have made significant contributions to Canada, the province, or their community, or achieved outstanding accomplishments abroad that reflect positively on Canada.
- Not have any criminal convictions or official sanctions that undermine the integrity of the Canadian Honours System.
- Been alive on King Charles' coronation date, May 6, 2023 (posthumous nominations are accepted if the nominee was alive on that date).
Important Notes:
- Nominations must focus on individual achievements; self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Recipient names and their nominators will be published, and a local committee will review the nominations to select recipients.
- A formal presentation ceremony will take place in Portage-Lisgar in the new year to honour the recipients.