Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Pat Bell, today presented Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals to Lana Denoni, Dave Butler and Donald McInnes in recognition of their significant achievements and distinguished service to their fellow citizens.

Lana Denoni is being acknowledged for her work as the chair of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and recently started her own company, Denoni Sales & Marketing. She was president of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in 1999. Previously, Denoni worked for the Oak Bay Marine Group as director of Tour & Travel & Community Relations. Prior to that, Denoni was the publisher for Visitor Publications Group for 11 years and produced tourism publications to encourage visitors to Vancouver Island.

Dave Butler is being acknowledged for his role as director of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC). A strong advocate for the tourism industry, Butler was chair of the Provincial Destination Marketing Organization Taskforce, which led to the creation of Destination BC, British Columbia's newest crown corporation. A resident of Cranbrook, Butler is currently the director of Sustainability for Canadian Mountain Holidays and is the first vice-president with the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce.

Donald McInnes is being acknowledged for his work as the executive vice chairman of Alterra Power Corp. and the founder and former CEO of Plutonic Power, which merged with Magma Energy Corp. in 2011 to create Alterra Power Corp. A recipient of numerous awards, McInnes currently serves as the chairman of the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia and is an active contributor to the debate on public policy with respect to natural resource development. McInnes is also the chairman of the board of Prostate Cancer Canada.

Medal recipients have made a significant contribution to a province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. Like Her Majesty, those recognized have dedicated themselves to service to their fellow citizens, communities and country.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour -

"I am delighted to have the honour of presenting these three extraordinary British Columbians with the Diamond Jubilee Medal. Lana Denoni, Dave Butler and Donald McInnes have dedicated their lives to creating jobs and improving their communities. I commend them for their hard work and success."

Quick Facts:

• This commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne

• The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country.

• During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians from across the country will be recognized.

• The government of B.C. is presenting approximately 760 medals.

• All MLAs and ministers have been involved in awarding the medals, ensuring the medals reach as many deserving people in the province as possible.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee visit: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=eng

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799