Ontario celebrated 11 volunteers by honouring them with the 2023 Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship including a Sudbury woman with close ties to Elliot Lake.
Janice Hobbs Martel received the medal yesterday for the McIntyre Powder Project, which she founded to support miners exposed to aluminum dust.
According to the release, her advocacy has led to Parkinson’s disease being recognized as an occupational illness, an official apology from Ontario, and the creation of a health registry resulting in significant research and compensation for affected workers.
Officials say Martel also provides outreach, education aiming to eradicate such diseases through systemic reform and national registry.
The medal is the province’s second highest civilian honour and recognizes individuals whose volunteer efforts have fostered positive change and left a lasting impact on their communities and the province.
Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, honoured Martel and the other recipients during a ceremony held at The Carlu in Toronto.
“The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship shines a light on those who put others first. I am happy to celebrate these outstanding Ontarians and real difference they have made in communities across the province,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Since 1973, remarkable individuals have been awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for their lifelong dedication to noble causes, including safeguarding Ontario’s natural heritage, promoting the arts, culture, and sports, advocating for safer communities, and supporting those in need.
In September 2024, the province renamed the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship to the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship to honour Queen Elizabeth II.
Starting next year, future recipients will be honoured with the newly named medal.
