John Gianni Kanjer, Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
John Kanjer, a wheelchair user for over 35 years, has tirelessly worked to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities. For eight years, he volunteered with the Columbia Housing Society, an organization that builds affordable accessible housing. He is regularly invited to speak to students, which he does voluntarily, on accessibility issues. On a volunteer basis, he has assessed accessibility to trains and stations for the West Coast Express, as well as community parks and trails, in particular the Spirea Trail, which is now one of the most accessible nature trail in Canada. He has been and continues to be a tireless worker on behalf of the disabled citizens of his community.