Fourteen people from around British Columbia will receive the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship for their outstanding service and commitment to helping others in their communities.

“This important honour recognizes people who have gone above and beyond to offer help and kindness to others during these exceptionally challenging times,” said Premier John Horgan. “The latest recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship make our province a better place through their contributions and provide an example we can all aspire to meet in our communities.”

Launched in 2015, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional dedication and service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life.

“It was such a difficult decision for the committee to select just 14 individuals from the long list of incredible nominees,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and chair of the medal’s selection committee. “We are so fortunate in British Columbia to live amongst so many unsung heroes. These outstanding, remarkable and selfless leaders make our communities shine brightly.”

The Medal of Good Citizenship recipients represent 10 communities from around B.C.

Recipients are:

• Andrew Beckerman, Victoria
• Irene Bischler, Cranbrook
• Kristi Blakeway, Maple Ridge
• Zeeshan Hayat, Vancouver
• Fawzan Hussain, Surrey
• Cole Izsak, Surrey
• Donna Kane, Rolla
• Imogene Lim, Nanaimo
• Farouq Manji, Richmond
• Robert McMinn, Highlands (Victoria)
• Stephanie Quon, Vancouver
• George Reifel, Vancouver
• Cara Sinclair, Vancouver
• Gale Stewart, New Westminster

Medals will be presented at virtual ceremonies in a few months. See detailed backgrounder on each recipient and their contributions to their communities.

To date, 90 citizens and two communities have received the medal.

In addition to the Medal of Good Citizenship, people may be nominated for the Province’s other honour, the Order of British Columbia. This honour recognizes people who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour, benefiting British Columbians and others across Canada and beyond. The nomination deadline for the Order of British Columbia has been extended to April 9, 2021.

Learn More:

Medal recipient biographies: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Medal_of_Good_Citizenship_Recipients.pdf

Medal of Good Citizenship information, including how to nominate an unsung hero and role model in your community: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship

Order of B.C.: www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca    

For French, Chinese and Punjabi translations: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24117#translations