On May 6, 2023, Canadians watched as King Charles III was coronated in a ceremony not seen since the coronation of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. To mark this extraordinary occasion, a Coronation Medal was launched by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. This national honour recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province, with 30,000 medals being awarded to individuals across the country. Given the remarkable length of the reign of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this is the first Canadian honour created to mark a coronation.
As representative of The Crown in British Columbia, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, had the distinct privilege of nominating deserving British Columbians for recognition of their achievements, with approval of recipients granted by the Chancellery of Honours in Ottawa. The work of Her Honour’s nominees spans many sectors and organizations, from non-profits and uniformed services to education and historic or culturally significant institutions. Their commitment to helping their communities, uplifting those in need, and improving the lives of their fellow British Columbians emphasizes the purpose of such an honour—in elevating these accomplishments, we might be inspired to do the same.
The Honourable Janet Austin, on behalf of the Governor General, will award coronation medals in two ceremonies this summer: one at Government House in Victoria and the other at the HMCS Discovery, located in Stanley Park in Vancouver. Meet some of the incredible recipients who will be honoured in these ceremonies:
Kwuntiltunaat, Kim Baird – Education / BC Reconciliation Award– Nationally recognized for her work in Reconciliation, Kim Baird is a respected advocate for Indigenous people and an accomplished leader. A graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she received the Distinguished Alumni award in 2012, and currently serves as the University’s Chancellor.
Mary Cake – The Friends of Government House Gardens Society — Mary Cake immigrated from California to Canada with experience in organic vegetable gardening. She joined the Friends of Government House Gardens Society in 2007 and has since greatly contributed to the development of the Government House grounds and the success of the Vegetable Garden. You can find her working in the gardens under her trademark wide-rimmed floral hat.
Queenie Choo – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. — Queenie Choo is a strong champion for affordable housing, immigrant services and seniors care. She serves on the Invest Vancouver Board to promote economic prosperity and leads the Diversity Council for the Royal Canadian Navy to advance gender equity. She is the first Chinese-Canadian woman appointed as honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy and was nominated as a YWCA Woman of Distinction. From 2021 to 2023, Queenie Choo was recognized as an influential leader by Business in Vancouver and earned a Richmond Centre Outstanding Constituent Award for her volunteer work.
Dr. Aaron Devor – Chair in Transgender Studies, University of Victoria / Trans Archives — Dr. Aaron Devorhas been studying and teaching transgender topics since the mid-1980s. He is a national-award-winning teacher, and an elected member of the elite International Academy of Sex Research. An out trans man, Dr. Devor is the founder and subject matter expert of the world’s largest Transgender Archives, founder and host of the Moving Trans History Forward conferences, a former Dean of Graduate Studies, and a professor of Sociology at the University of Victoria.
Nasim Hamed – Victoria Immigrant Refugee Centre Society — Upon immigrating from Iran, Nasim Hamed has contributed significantly to the settlement and integration of thousands of newcomers in the Greater Victoria Region for over 20 years. Her compassionate leadership, dedication, and deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees have made a lasting impact in our community.
Herman Ho – Honorary Aide-De-Camp — Honorary Aide-de-Camp of the Honourable Janet Austin, 30th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Herman Ho has a long history of giving back to the community through volunteerism. For 15 years he supported more than 1,000 youth as a leader and assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He was also the provincial chair and provincial commissioner for St. John Ambulance BC and Yukon for over 30 years. He has served three consecutive Lieutenant Governors since his appointment as Honorary Aide de Camp since 2007.
T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly – Government House Foundation / BC Reconciliation Award — Patrick Kelly has dedicated himself to many communities in Canada and abroad to advance Indigenous peoples and create cultural bridges. Through his forty years of volunteerism, independent work, and as an esteemed advisor to many influential leaders, Patrick has identified, informed, and affected change regarding Indigenous ceremony, protocol, legal and policy opinions all while seamlessly weaving Indigenous cultural practices into the process.
Carol Lee – Chinatown Storytelling Centre— Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Carol Lee is known for her work in revitalizing Canada’s largest Chinatown. Her leadership, business acumen and outstanding community service have earned her spot in the Order of Canada.
Ron Rice – Victoria Native Friendship Centre — When Ron Rice wasseven-year-old, his grandfather, Elmer Campbell, told him, “It does not matter what you do for a living as long as you learn from every job and give back when you can.” The simple piece of advice has guided Ron throughout his life. He has volunteered, advanced Reconciliation, and supported local businesses and the arts sector.
David Valentine – Honorary Aide-De-Camp — Honorary Aide-de-Camp of the Honourable Janet Austin, 30th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, David dedicated many years to volunteering, the most prominent being his volunteer work with St. John Ambulance. Today he serves as the provincial commissioner for British Columbia. David has also served as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to four different Lieutenant Governors.
Captain Patricia Laing – Royal Canadian Navy –Captain Patricia Laing has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout her career with the Royal Canadian Navy, and supporting the Royal Canadian Navy Women’s Symposium and partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
Find the full list of recipients honoured at the July 18 ceremony here.