Province recognizes 20 recipients for volunteer service and community leadership
Ceremony at Queen’s Park highlights enduring contributions across Ontario
TORONTO — The Government of Ontario has recognized 20 individuals for their outstanding civic contributions, awarding them the 2024 and 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship — the province’s second-highest civilian honour.
The awards were presented during a formal ceremony at Queen’s Park, hosted by the Honourable Edith Dumont. The medal, recently renamed in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, recognizes Ontarians whose exceptional volunteer service and civic leadership have had a lasting impact on their communities.
“Service to others lies at the heart of our communities,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Through the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, I am delighted to honour exceptional individuals and recognize their remarkable contributions across our province.”
Longstanding recognition of civic excellence
First established in 1973 during a royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II, the medal has been awarded to more than 600 individuals over the past five decades. Recipients are recognized for contributions spanning environmental stewardship, arts and culture promotion, sports development, and efforts to enhance public safety.
The award was formally renamed in September 2024 to honour the late monarch’s legacy and longstanding connection to Canada. It also holds a place in the Canadian Order of Precedence, underscoring its significance among provincial honours.
“It is always a privilege to recognize those who have selflessly given back to their communities,” said Graham McGregor. “Their hard work, dedication and generosity are deeply valued and reflect the very best of Ontario.”
2024 recipients
The 2024 cohort reflects a diverse group of leaders whose work has strengthened communities across the province. This year’s recipients are:
- Margaret Ayres, OMC
- Lt Adam J.D. Carter, KStJ, OMC
- Adam Cox, OMC
- Donna Dubie, OMC
- Debbie Kirwin, OMC
- Carole Madsen, OMC
- Joseph Maloney, MSC, OMC
- Justin Morin-Carpentier, OMC
- David Mousavi, OMC
- Stacey Robert-Tobin, OMC
2025 recipients
The 2025 recipients continue the tradition of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated sustained commitment to civic engagement and volunteerism:
- Jason Balgopal, OMC
- Shawn Bennett, CD, OMC
- Larry K. Dicks, OMC
- Mike Duhacek, OMC
- Aloysius (Al) Hung, OMC
- Dean Paul La Bute, OMC
- HLCol Harold Latner, OMC
- Sandev Singh Purewal, OMC
- Patricia Scrivens, OMC
- Sam Sinjari, OMC
Strengthening communities through volunteerism
The recognition comes at a time when governments and organizations across Canada are increasingly emphasizing the importance of civic participation and volunteerism in building resilient communities.
Officials say the recipients exemplify the values of leadership, service and community engagement that underpin Ontario’s social and economic fabric. Their contributions — often carried out over decades — have helped address local challenges, foster inclusion, and support community development initiatives.
The annual nomination deadline for the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is November 15, with eligibility criteria and application details available through the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
As Ontario continues to recognize individuals who go beyond personal and professional obligations to serve others, the medal remains a symbol of civic pride and a benchmark for community leadership across the province.