In The Community

Moonlight and Magic Event

Another amazing Moonlight and Magic in the streets of Courtenay last week, thanks to the unstoppable Meaghan Cursons for its organization and co-ordination and downtown merchants and a small army of volunteers for making it happen again this year. The crowds were joyous and plentiful. Magic was in the air as always seems to happen on this special night, which this year took place in an Intergalactic Jungle!

Thanks to City Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton for MC’ing the annual tree lighting ceremony, always a highlight! Thanks also to all those constituents who took time to talk to me about issues of interest and concern. Most of all, thanks to all the shopkeepers, workers and elves who opened their doors to shoppers and browsers alike. It sure doesn’t take long to realize the benefits of shopping local!

Salvation Army's annual "Hope in the Valley"

What better occasion to honour Major Michael Ramsay with a King Charles III Coronation Medal than at the Salvation Army’s annual “Hope In The Valley” event in Port Alberni on last Saturday.

As has been the case with all of the recipients who I have presented this medal to on behalf of the Governor General, Michael gave credit to the incredible sacrifice, dedication and hard work by volunteers, staff and donors to the social programs that he has led over the years. His commitment to creating and working in partnership with other agencies and community organizations has been so important to serving our most vulnerable citizens.

The King Charles III medal was presented to Major Ramsay in recognition of his vision and leadership in the provision of essential social services to vulnerable citizens in the Alberni Valley including a community food bank. Major Ramsay’s commitment to working with other social agencies in the community has succeeded in bringing people together in the spirit of “yes, we can!”

Thank you on behalf a grateful community for everything you do and making a difference in the lives of so many, Major Ramsay.

Peace Train Reception on Parliament Hill

Last evening, I co-hosted a reception on Parliament Hill to welcome a delegation of peace advocates who traveled by “peace train” across Canada picking up supporters and holding vigils along the way with a call to action to re-establish and fund Canada's Centre of Excellence for Peace and Justice.

The organization of Peace Train Canada had its origins in our riding through the efforts of Port Alberni’s Keith and Bernie Wyton and ten of the “peace trainers" are from our communities in Courtenay-Alberni. Yesterday’s event was organized by Corinne Webber in my parliamentary office and attended by ten MP’s from all parties along with a Senator.

As I said in my remarks at this gathering, “the numerous wars around the world are not only impacting those living in and escaping conflict zones, they add to the turmoil arising from other global challenges like climate change and inflation that has left many people feeling anxious and hopeless for the future.”

Thanks to all those who took time to attend this event, including Donald Macpherson, the national president of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association and Professor Walter Dorn of the Royal Military College of Canada.

The re-establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Peace and Justice would focus on research, education and training in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and peace operations for Canadian civilians, police, military personnel, and the international community. Giving peace a chance surely needs a kick-start in this world, including the re-emergence of Canada’s proud tradition of peacekeeping.

Baynes Sound Lambert Channel Society- EcoForum

Thank you to the board, staff and volunteers of the Baynes Sound Lambert Channel Society for inviting me to participate in their EcoForum at the VIU Marine Station at Deep Bay last week. It was truly inspiring to be in the company of such an amazing gathering of scientists, activists and concerned citizens with such an important common purpose.

It was also an opportunity to present Dorrie Woodward, a founding member of the Society, with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, awarded to just 30,000 Canadians for service to community and country. I have known Dorrie for years as someone who believes that actions speak louder than words, so important when it comes to the protection of our aqua-environment. Dorrie was recognized for her service as the Chair of the Associatin of Denman Island Stewards Group and for more than twenty years of relentless advocacy for coastal protection and marine ecosystem restoration on Denman Island, including the protection of the last herring spawn on the west coast. Truly deserving of this recognition and truly a caring citizen of this planet!

5 Outstanding Oceanside Community Members Recognized for Contributions

It was a full house at Qualicum Beach’s Rotary House last week as five outstanding Oceanside community members were recognized for outstanding contributions to their community. The Governor General has asked MPs to choose twenty constituents for the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a difficult decision as our riding is vast (31 communities) with a 100,000+ population!

Honoured on November 13th were: Phil Dwyer, O.C. in recognition of his contribution to Canadian culture and as an advocate for social and environmental justice in our society; Eva Hilborn, in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service and relentless advocacy for early childhood education; Mischa Oak, in recognition of a career of leadership and advocacy for systematic change to support transgender and gender-diverse individuals in our community; Carrie Reid in recognition of her therapeutic support for the healing of residential school survivors and for carrying cultural knowledge and teachings about the natural world for her people over fifty years; and, Carl Savage in recognition of his dedication as an educator to the success of his students through nurturing a love of science.

Thank you on behalf of a grateful community to all five of these outstanding Canadians and to all those who have helped them with their work.

King Charles III Medal to Susanna

It was my honour to present the King Charles III medal to Susanna, in recognition of her enormous contribution to making her community stronger through 30 years of service with the Society of Organized Services in Parksville.. Her leadership in mustering community support to keep essential community services operating during the pandemic was immensely important to children, seniors and their families. Thank you for your work, Susanna and thanks also to your board, staff and volunteers for making a difference in the lives of so many.

3 Courtenay Residents get the King Charles III Coronation Medal

Today (Nov. 15), three Courtenay locals were presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by member of Parliament, Gord Johns. The medal is awarded to only 30,000 Canadians.

Doug Cox received the medal in recognition of his creative vision for over 28 years of presenting the gift of music to the people of Vancouver Island and mobilizing thousands of volunteers to create the community of MusicFest for three magical days each summer.

"I am honoured to present you with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of your creative vision over 28 years of presenting the gift of music to the people of Vancouver Island," said Johns.

Anne Davis received the medal in recognition of 30 years of service with the Comox Valley Transition Society and a lifetime of community activism for social justice for all.

"Your advocacy for unions to enhance their responses to intimate partner violence and [your] service on numerous local and provincial boards and committees have contributed significantly to public awareness of violence against women in our society," said Johns.

Tim Ennis received the medal in recognition of his important contributions to the acquisition, protection and restoration of ecologically significant lands and waters on Vancouver Island.

"Over 25 years, your determination to seek common cause with the entire community in the interest of the environment has been remarkable," said Johns.

Literacy Alberni Society-

Thank you to the Literacy Alberni Society for inviting me to speak to students and volunteers about my work representing the in the House of Commons. The students consist of immigrants who have arrived from all over the world, from Germany to Thailand and who have been in Canada from two months to several years. At the end of my talk, they joined me in singing O Canada. Thanks to the board, staff and volunteers of this terrific organization for their work.

King Charles III Coronation Medal to amazing Marlene Dietrich in Port Alberni

Such a moving Remembrance Day ceremony in Parksville yesterday, including a fly-over at the eleventh hour. It was wonderful to connect with veteran Jack Rossiter who turned 100 this year. Jack served Canada in the Italian campaign 1943-45. Thank you to those who laid wreathes on my behalf throughout the riding: Meaghan Cursons in Cumberland, Donna Cloutier in Courtenay, the Hon. Deb Grey in Bowser, Lee Olimusik in Port Alberni, Bruce Ballingal in Qualicum Beach, Jessica Harris in Tofino and Rick Geddes in Ucluelet. Thank you especially to the volunteers and hundreds of residents who attended these ceremonies to remember those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms in Canada.