Several distinguished individuals have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their significant contributions to Canadian society and local communities. This prestigious medal, established to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, has been awarded to various recipients, each representing excellence and dedication across different sectors.
Among those honored is Christa Lowry, the Mayor of Mississippi Mills and Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), who received the medal during the annual ROMA Conference held on January 19, 2025, in Toronto. The presentation was made by Lisa Thompson, the Minister of Rural Affairs.
“It was an honour to recognize Christa Lowry’s leadership in rural Ontario by presenting her with the King’s Coronation Medal,” Minister Thompson stated. She praised Lowry’s unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership, noting her contributions not just to Mississippi Mills but to all rural municipalities.
During her speech, Lowry expressed her gratitude to Minister Thompson, her Parliamentary Assistant Steve Pinsonneault, and John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, who were present at the ceremony. “It’s an incredible honour to receive this humbling recognition, made even more meaningful in front of 2,000 of my closest colleagues,” she shared, emphasizing her role as advocate for the rural Ontario community.
On January 15, Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director of the McGill University Health Centre, was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal during a ceremony at the Atwater Library in Montreal. The Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, the Honourable Manon Jeannotte, was present to honor Opatrny among 47 other medal recipients. The presentations were meant to acknowledge the hardworking individuals who often contribute behind the scenes to the well-being of their communities.
Dr. Opatrny’s leadership during the pandemic was highlighted at the event. “Your contribution to managing the pandemic and your commitment to improving the accessibility and quality of care make you anessential figure in public health,” read one quote presented during the ceremony, celebrating her influence and impact.
Another recipient, Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University, received the coronation medal as well, recognized for his transformative contributions to education and innovation. His leadership has propelled Ontario Tech University to the forefront of higher education. He received the medal on January 11, and Durham MP Jamil Jivani remarked, “This honour marks a significant milestone in Dr. Murphy’s impactful leadership.” Murphy has been instrumental in championing students’ creativity through innovative programs and projects such as the Brilliant Catalyst.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is part of a broader initiative, with 30,000 of these medals to be awarded across Canada to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions, both locally and internationally. This initiative aims to celebrate those whose efforts have made substantial impacts on their communities.
The design of the medal features the effigy of King Charles III and is attached to a ribbon reminiscent of the Coronation Medal used previously by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Such distinctions serve to connect the new reign with historical precedents, creating unity through recognition for remarkable contributions.
Events celebrating recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, including those held at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, showcase the importance of acknowledging unsung heroes. These individuals exemplify dedication, often working selflessly for their communities, and the medal serves not only as recognition but as inspiration for future generations.
With the presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Canada affirms its commitment to recognizing and valuing the contributions of its citizens. These honors represent the spirit of volunteerism, advocacy, and commitment to community service found across the nation.