VICTORIA – Greater Victoria BC NDP MLAs presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal to numerous citizens today during a ceremony at the Union Club of British Columbia.
“Our city has so many amazing advocates and people doing grassroots work to make change for their communities every day,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “I’m so thrilled to be presenting Harjas, Kim, Jessica, and Ace with these medals today to recognize their immense contributions.”
Award recipients included:
- Awarded by MLA Lore
- Ace Mann, President of the Victoria Pride Society, who has increased resources, accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity within the Victoria Pride festival and society.
- Kim Dixon, Executive Director of James Bay New Horizons, which delivers programs for seniors to promote connection, health, wellness, and support.
- Jessica Duncan, founder of Singing Bowl Granola, who launched the SBG Porridge Project, delivering thousands of servings to students at local schools, as well as donating granola bars to support unhoused people in Victoria.
- Harjas Singh Popli, Executive Director of Fateh Care Charity, a mobile food bank providing groceries and other necessities to vulnerable community members.
- Awarded by MLA Popham
- Michael Edward Heppell, a longtime Victoria Fire Department firefighter who served as Fire Chief for 17 years, as well as serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and with organizations like the Red Cross.
- Awarded by MLA Fleming
- Rabbi Harry Brechner, of Congregation Emanu-El, who has championed community dialogue, interfaith connections, and community service.
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- Bhagwant Singh Jawanda, the first Indo-Canadian City Planner, who is soon to celebrate his 100th birthday!
- Charlayne Thornton-Joe, a former Victoria City Councillor and longtime advocate for Victoria’s Chinatown and the Chinese community, helping share and recognize the community’s history and legacy in Victoria.
- Kelly Scott, Presdient of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association (awarded on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).
- Nav Malhotra, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) local 1611 (awarded on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).
- Awarded by MLA Parmar (on behalf of MLA Dean)
- Maurine Karagianis, a former Esquimalt Municipal Councilor and MLA from 2005-2017, and current enthusiastic volunteer for local initiatives.
- Robert Saunders, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has supported and invested in local organizations and nonprofits, and began the “Comfy Kids Program” providing cars to families to get to and from BC Children’s Hospital.
- Awarded by MLA Rankin
- Jamie Cassels, who served as president of the University of Victoria from 2013 to 2020, and has been honoured as an exceptional educator and leader in institutional growth at UVic.
- Caitlin Davies, a passionate and committed Commissioner and Leader for local Girl Guide groups, helping empower and inspire girls and young women locally.
- John Hillman (posthumous), a WWII veteran who in recent years walked laps of his retirement home to raise money for Save the Children, and continued to advocate and fundraise until his passing at 105.
“Victoria is so lucky to be home to these recipients whose work has made it a better and more inclusive place to live,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “I’m honoured to be able to present these awards today to recognize some of the best of our community.”
These recipients have all played a part in making the community an amazing place to live, and have built legacies that will continue for generations to come.
The Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, was launched by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province. The medal will be awarded to 30,000 deserving individuals across the country and is the first Canadian honour to mark a coronation.