MP Taylor Bachrach is awarding up to 20 King Charles III Coronation Medals to Skeena-Bulkley Valley federal riding residents.
The first of its kind, the medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which happened on May 6, 2023. MPs across Canada were given the opportunity to participate in this program to recognize citizen accomplishments.
"One of the real joys of this role is travelling to communities and meeting with passionate citizens who are contributing to their communities in really cool ways," said Bachrach. "I'm looking forward to shedding some light on those contributions."
Select nominees will be awarded the medals based on a set of criteria and the recommendations from a panel of volunteers living in the riding.
Self-nominations are not accepted. Groups or couples are not eligible to be awarded, only individuals.
To be eligible, a person must be a resident of the riding, they must have made a significant contribution in Canada or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada, and they must have been alive on May 6, 2023. People can be nominated posthumously, but the nominee must have been alive on that date.
Guidelines include if a person has helped build the Canada of today, if they have served as a volunteer or member of an organization for a long time with good conduct and high professionalism, or for performing a deed or activity that brought or brings attention to Canada. Nominees will have distinguished themselves from others in their field.
The list of nominees is intended to be inclusive and reflect the demographics of a region or community.
"I'm hopeful that we'll receive nominations from people of different backgrounds and from different communities across the Northwest," Bachrach said. "Our region is home to some really special people."
Nominations must be made before Nov. 15.
On Bachrach's website, there is a downloadable form that must be filled out and sent either via email or printed and dropped off at one of his offices in Smithers, Terrace, or Prince Rupert. People can drop by an office and pick up a form as well.
Bachrach is also looking for volunteers to sit on the selection committee and he's hoping to find people from all four corners of the riding. Those interested can also apply through the MP's website.
As a Member of Parliament on the date of the coronation, Bachrach also receives a coronation medal. The same applies to Members of the Legislative Assembly in Victoria. Across the northwest, that includes Jennifer Rice who is retiring, Ellis Ross, Nathan Cullen and John Rustad.
