Twenty-four provincial corrections and youth justice staff are the latest to receive the most prestigious national decoration for professionals in their sector.

The Corrections Exemplary Service Medals recognize exceptionally commendable service provided over a minimum of two decades. Judith Guichon, lieutenant-governor of British Columbia, presented the awards at a ceremony at Government House today.

“These annual awards recognize professionals who do so much behind the scenes to make our communities safer,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. “Those who have served with distinction for decades demonstrate discipline, compassion and a commitment to fostering changed behaviours among offenders. For this, they deserve our sincere thanks.”

Eligible staff include those who work in probation offices and correctional centres, and in Ministry of Children and Family Development youth justice services.

“Our youth justice staff embrace the incredible challenge and opportunity of being a steadying, positive force in the lives of troubled teens,” said Minister of Children and Family Development Katrine Conroy. “They provide an invaluable service to this province, and we want to thank them for being positive role models and instilling in some of our most vulnerable young people the value of making better choices in their lives.”

The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal marks 20 years; the Corrections Exemplary Service First Bar, 30 years; and the Corrections Exemplary Service Second Bar, 40 years. This year, 16 staff received the medal, seven the first bar and one the second bar.

Short biographies of all 24 recipients are available at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Corrections_Exemplary_Service_Award_Recipients.pdf

Quick Facts:

• The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal is awarded by the Governor General of Canada, via the lieutenant-governor, to deserving corrections staff upon recommendation from BC Corrections and Youth Justice Services.
• The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal was created by Letters Patent signed by Her Majesty the Queen on June 11, 1984.

Learn More:

BC Corrections: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/corrections