Thirty-two corrections and youth justice staff in B.C. have been recognized for their dedication to public safety and commitment to helping offenders make positive life changes.

The annual ceremony to award Corrections Exemplary Service Medals and Bars - the most prestigious national decoration for corrections professionals in Canada - was held on Dec. 2. The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, bestowed the medals at a ceremony yesterday afternoon at Government House.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton and Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux also attended the medal presentation ceremony to honour the important work and dedication these recipients have demonstrated over the course of their careers.

The awards pay tribute to both BC Corrections staff who work in probation offices and correctional centres, and Ministry of Children and Family Development youth justice services staff members. The recipients have reached milestones for exemplary service, beginning at 20 years for the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, 30 years for the Corrections Exemplary Service First Bar, and 40 years for the Corrections Exemplary Service Second Bar.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"Our corrections and probation officers play a vital role in keeping our families and communities safe and they deserve our gratitude and recognition. Much of the challenging work they do each day goes unseen by most British Columbians, but is very much appreciated as the road to making positive changes begins with these dedicated professionals who work with offenders on the front lines. Their commitment and leadership is truly humbling and inspiring, and I offer my sincere congratulations to the BC Corrections staff who received awards for their outstanding service throughout the province."

Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux -

"Youth justice community and custody staff influence youth to make better life decisions by providing them with the support they need to reach their highest potential. The efforts of the 12 Ministry of Children and Family Development award recipients have helped establish B.C. as a national leader in youth justice. All 32 Corrections Exemplary Service Medal recipients deserve recognition for demonstrating such strong commitment to serving their profession and their communities."

Quick Facts:

• The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal is awarded by the Governor General of Canada to deserving corrections and youth justice staff upon the recommendation of BC Corrections and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• The lieutenant-governor of British Columbia presents the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal and Corrections Exemplary Service First and Second Bars.
• The medals recognize exceptionally commendable service and are not used merely to recognize lengthy terms of service.
• The first Canadian medal to recognize long and outstanding service in the public-safety professions was the Police Exemplary Service Medal, created on Aug. 12, 1982. The second was the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, created by Letters Patent and signed by Her Majesty the Queen on June 11, 1984.

To find out more about BC Corrections, please visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/corrections/index.htm

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602

BACKGROUNDER

2013 Corrections Exemplary Service Medals and Bars Award Recipients

Corrections Exemplary Service Second Bar for 40 years:

Ministry of Children and Family Development Youth Justice:

Alan Markwart - former assistant deputy minister, Youth Justice Provincial Office, Victoria (Retired)

Corrections Exemplary Service First Bar for 30 years:

BC Corrections:

David Lee - Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, Surrey

Terry McKay - Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, Prince George

Brent Merchant - assistant deputy minister, Corrections Branch headquarters, Victoria

Carol Price - Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, Surrey

Ministry of Children and Family Development Youth Justice:

Michael White - Vancouver Youth Justice Services, Vancouver

Corrections Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years:

BC Corrections:

Harry Draaisma - Fraser Regional Correctional Centre, Maple Ridge

Leroy Duberry - Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, Victoria

Timothy Genereaux - Nanaimo Correctional Centre, Nanaimo

Dean Gurak - Vernon Community Corrections, Vernon

Dennis Hall - Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, Surrey

Raymond Imai - Chilliwack Community Corrections, Chilliwack

Thomas Mackey - Nanaimo Correctional Centre, Nanaimo

Marlene McKay - Nanaimo Correctional Centre, Nanaimo

Bradley Misak - Langley Community Corrections, Langley

Susan Pendleton - Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, Prince George

Robert Richardson - Fraser Regional Correctional Centre, Maple Ridge

Nathan Sangara - Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, Victoria

Carmen Schiller - Nanaimo Correctional Centre, Nanaimo

Elliot Smith - North Fraser Pretrial Centre, Port Coquitlam

Suzanne Tarlier - Alouette Correctional Centre for Women, Maple Ridge

Patricia Yeo - Langley Community Corrections, Langley

Ministry of Children and Family Development Youth Justice:

Ranj Atwal - Victoria Youth Services, Victoria

Mark Caros - Burnaby Youth Custody Services, Burnaby

Richard (Glenn) Leask - Prince George Youth Custody Services, Prince George (Posthumous)

Mike MacPhee - Victoria Youth Custody Services, Victoria

Rick Marchese - Victoria Youth Custody Services, Victoria

Phil Peachey - Kelowna Youth Justice Services, Kelowna

Paul Tiffin - Burnaby Youth Custody Services, Burnaby

Irene Wesenberg - Chilliwack Youth Probation, Chilliwack

Dean White - Burnaby Youth Custody Services, Burnaby

Chris Zatylny - Youth Justice Provincial Office, Victoria

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602