Pearson Peace Medal Presentation

The Pearson Peace Medal is awarded to a Canadian who has personally contributed, through his or her working life and voluntary commitments, to those causes to which Lester B. Pearson devoted his distinguished career: aid to the developing world; mediation between those confronting one another with arms; succour to refugees and others in need; equal rights and justice for all humanity; and peaceful change through world law and world organization.

The 27th Pearson Peace Medal was presented to His Honour, Colonel (Retired) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, presided over the ceremony on behalf of the Governor General.

Mr. Phil Ponting, National Chair of the United Nations Association in Canada, also spoke on this occasion.

His Honour was recognized for his distinguished service as a decorated Canadian veteran of multiple UN peacekeeping tours, and for his passionate advocacy for veterans and their families. The development of the Canadian Association of Veterans of UN Peacekeeping and the creation of the Wall of Honour for Peacekeepers and Peacemakers,in Calgary, owe much to his leadership. In retirement, he tirelessly supported veterans and their families to better the lives of individuals who suffer from mental disorders, and to assist families who have lost a loved one to military service.