Residents recognized with provincial civilian award
Posted Apr 14, 2022 04:54:00 PM.
The Ontario government recognized 22 individuals with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for the years 2019 and 2020 at a ceremony on April 13, 2022.
The medal is the province's second highest award for civilians and is given to those who made a lasting impact in their communities and the province.
“The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes exceptional long-term contributions to our province. We have learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that the most simple and obvious actions can be exceptional,” said Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell. “The intention, kindness, and commitment to community demonstrated by the 2019 and 2020 medal recipients inspire me and so many fellow Ontarians. I am pleased to be able to thank them, on behalf of a grateful province, for their meaningful and vital service.”
Both Richard Warman of Ottawa and M.J. Quraishi of Manotick were among the 2019 recipients. Warman was selected for the honour for his work in fighting hate, racism and xenophobia in the city of Ottawa. The province says his many hours of volunteer work has lead to a change in the way online hate is dealt with.
He is also a co-founder of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to monitor, research, and counter hate groups by providing education and information to the public, media, researchers, courts, law enforcement, and community groups.
Quraishi was given the medal of honour for his work with the Volunteer Accountants Ottawa Committee, an organization that helps vulnerable Ontarians file their tax returns to receive their rightful benefits and credits.
He founded the committee and has inspired numerous volunteer accountants to help rebuild people’s lives, find suitable work, and contribute to the city's economy.
“Today, we honour the actions, dedication and commitment of these civic leaders, whose work continues to benefit their communities and province,” said Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Billy Pang.
“The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship honourees are ambassadors of Ontario Spirit, and role models for everyone in our province.”
