Visit to Saskatchewan - Canadian Honours Ceremony - October 20, 2018

October 20, 2018

Governor General Julie Payette undertook an official visit to Saskatchewan from October 18 to 20, 2018. She stopped in Regina, Moose Jaw and Humboldt.

  • On Saturday, October 20, 2018, the Governor General presented honours to 34 remarkable Canadians in celebration of their incredible achievements and contributions.
  • The Governor General offered opening remarks and congratulated the recipients on their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service.
  • The Meritorious Service Cross was presented to Sandra O’Reilly who founded the Calgary Children’s Cottage Society in 1986 to provide a safe place for parents to leave their children during times of crisis.
  • The Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Derek Crowe, Justin Ferbey and Jane Koepke, who started Singletrack to Success, a network of mountain biking trails on Montana Mountain near Carcross, Yukon.
  • The Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Kirby and Marie Fontaine.  After winning the lottery, Kirby and Marie Fontaine chose to enrich the lives of others in their home province.
  • Kal Hourd performed during the intermission.  A CD of Mr. Hourd’s music accompanied the Governor General in space on board STS- 127 where it orbited earth 248 times.
  • Dr. Angela Irvine and Cole Marshall received Medals of Bravery.  They rescued Dr. Irvine’s young sons who were in danger of drowning in the South Saskatchewan River, in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
  • Jerry Kobalenko received a Polar Medal.  He has skied, hiked, sledded and kayaked more than 16 000 kilometres through the High Arctic over the course of 30 separate expeditions.
  • Constable Garrett Dove received a Sovereign’s medal for volunteers.  He has gone above and beyond in mentoring and guiding First Nations youth in the communities of Pelican Narrows and Battleford.
  • Chief Coreen Sayazie was presented with a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.  She has been with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for over two decades, serving as the main volunteer tax preparer for Saskatchewan’s northernmost communities.
  • The Governor General presents honours on behalf of all Canadians in communities across the country to help share inspiring stories, celebrate tremendous contributions to our society and connect with Canadians.