Massey Medal Ceremony

Mr. Church helped write a new forest practices code for British Columbia, which, at the time, was regarded as one of the most progressive pieces of environmental legislation in the world.

Each year, the Massey Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding career achievement in the exploration, development or description of the geography of Canada.

The Governor General and patron of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society awarded the 2009 Massey Medal to Mr. Michael Church, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia.

Ms. Gisèle Jacob, President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, said on few words on the laureate during the ceremony. Mr. Church is a fluvial geomorphologist, a specialist in how rivers and streams shape the landscape.

At the end of the ceremony held in the Ballroom, guests rose to sing the national anthem.

A picture of the laureate with Her Excellency and Ms. Jacob was taken after the ceremony in front of former Governor General Vincent Massey’s portrait who, in 1959, first awarded the medal administered by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.