Emily Gear-Berkman, Ottawa, Ont.
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Emily Gear-Berkman, a retired physician, has remained active in her church and was elected its first woman elder in 1987. She is a member of several church committees, as well as other Christian organizations such as the Scripture Union, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and the Christian Medical Association. Dr. Gear-Berkman is also involved in the provincial palliative care association and is a volunteer medical consultant to the Hospice at May Court. She volunteers at the day hospice, makes soup for patients at Christmas, works at the garage sale or cleanup day, and attends fundraising and volunteer events.