Presentation of Honours

The Governor General presented honours to 43 recipients who were recognized for their excellence, courage and exceptional dedication to service.

The ceremony, held at Rideau Hall, began with remarks from the Governor General who thanked the recipients for their incredible contributions.

The Governor General presented a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) to Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller. A champion for Indigenous arts, culture and sport, she has lent her leadership skills to various causes. She promotes active and healthy lifestyles among Indigenous youth, advocates on behalf of the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and promotes the preservation of traditional arts. She is a wonderful role model and continues to work with the Canadian Olympic Committee to build lasting relationships with Indigenous athletes.

The Governor General presented a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) to former professional hockey player Luke Richardson and his wife, Stephanie. Following the tragic loss of their daughter they courageously shared their story to help youth suffering from mental illness. Partnering with their daughter’s friends and with various community organizations, they created the Do It For Daron Foundation to fund youth mental health initiatives and to inspire discussions on the topics of depression and suicide across the National Capital Region.

Garry Janz received a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division). He is the founding president of Ride For Dad, which raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research through large-scale, one-day ride events. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded to 44 chapters, involving thousands of volunteers and participants across Canada. To date, over $20 million has been donated to biomedical research communities, resulting in the development of new treatment strategies and more personalized care for patients.

Justin Yaassoub received a Decoration for Bravery for risking his life to assist an injured colleague during an incident in northern Iraq. After coming under fire from partner forces who mistook them for the enemy, Corporal Yaassoub was wounded and forced to seek cover with his team. Seeing an injured comrade nearby, Corporal Yaassoub put down his weapon and attempted to reach him, but was forced back by a hail of bullets. Once the confusion cleared, Corporal Yaassoub retrieved the man and the team withdrew.

Jessica Dicks received a Decoration for Bravery for deflecting a falling tree from hitting four children in Lawrence Lake Provincial Park, near Athabasca, Alberta. While camping, Ms. Dicks heard a loud cracking noise and quickly realized that a nine-metre-tall tree segment on her campsite was about to fall on the children’s tent. Without hesitation, she sprinted to the tent and used her body to absorb and deflect the impact from the trunk. Ms. Dicks suffered severe injuries that left her permanently paralyzed, but she managed to keep the children safe.

RCMP constables Sidney Gaudette and Sheldon Shah, along with Sergeant Gregory Gerbrandt received a Decoration for Bravery. On February 7, 2012, they came under fire while executing a search warrant at a farmhouse near Sedgewick, Alberta. Despite being struck by several bullets, Constable Shah provided cover for an injured Constable Gaudette and continued to defend himself against the gunman until both officers were outside, whereupon he collapsed. Covered by Constable Gaudette, Sergeant Gerbrandt exposed himself to fire and pulled Constable Shah to safety, before taking his wounded colleagues to a nearby hospital.

The Governor General presented the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Superintendent Cita Carmen Airth. She has been a distinguished member of the Vancouver Police Department for over 20 years. A natural leader and mentor, she has developed innovative strategies to promote women’s rights within her community.

The Governor General presented the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Assistant Commissioner Joseph Peter Byron Boucher. He has been a distinguished member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for over 32 years. As the national leader for Contract and Aboriginal Policing, he collaborates with the Department of Public Safety and with victims’ families on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Kellyann Meloche received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for her work providing free emergency management training to First Nations communities. She trains an average of 300 students a year, and pays for their course materials and books out of her own pocket. She has made an invaluable contribution to and impact on Indigenous youth by teaching them essential skills.