Six residents of the region have been honoured as recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medals were presented by Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Drouin and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stéphane Sarrazin on Wednesday, March 26 at the monthly meeting of United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Council.
The medal, which is an official part of the Canadian honours system, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their community and embody the values of service and dedication. The award was established in commemoration of the coronation of King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. The recipients were selected for their leadership, volunteer commitment, and dedication to the well-being of the region, province, and country.
“Their contribution is not only measured by the projects they have completed, but also the inspiration they have sparked in those around them,” Sarrazin said.
Each MP and MPP was allocated a limited number of medals to award to citizens by the office of the Governor-General in Ottawa. Sarrazin said he was allocated five medals and then began a nomination process for deserving citizens. He said they also sought assistance for nominations from the UCPR.
“I think we could not have chosen better people,” Sarrazin said about the recipients.
The six King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients are:
Former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) James Douglas Anthony had a distinguished 37-year career, holding leadership roles such as Director of Media Relations and Inspector on the Grievance Advisory Board for the federal police force. Since retiring in 2019, he has continued to serve his community as President of the Russell Kin Club and as a communications specialist and trainer.
Robert Kirby has served as Mayor of East Hawkesbury since 2007. He led the organization of the 2011 International Plowing Match in his municipality, which was partly hosted at his family’s farm in Chute-à-Blondeau and has worked extensively to bring natural gas service to the area. He has also served three terms as Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, demonstrating his dedication to regional development and community service. In 2011, he was honored with L’Ordre de la Francophonie de Prescott-Russell for his contributions to the Francophone community.
Kirby was not notified prior to the ceremony that he was receiving a medal. He was visibly surprised when his name was announced.
“It was a pretty nice gesture and I appreciate it,” Kirby said.
UCPR 2025 Warden and Alfred and Plantagenet Mayor received his Charles III Coronation Medal from MP Francis Drouin.
Laviolette has served as Mayor of Alfred and Plantagenet since 2022. In addition to a successful career in the construction business, he entered municipal politics as Reeve of the former Township of Alfred municipality in 1986 and served as UCPR Warden in 1988. He left municipal politics in 1992 and did not intend to return. However, he did return in 2018 and was elected as a councillor in Alfred and Plantagenet, and became mayor four years later, and was selected by the other UCPR mayors to serve as 2025 warden.
Retired teacher and school principal, Bruno Lecot always emphasized his love for the French language, both with his students and staff. He played a key role in organizing the 2011 International Plowing Match in Chute-à-Blondeau and fundraising for the Monument de la Francophonie in Hawkesbury. He was inducted into the L’Ordre de la Francophonie de Prescott-Russell in 2016 in recognition of his commitment to Francophonie.
Stéphan Plourde is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He played a key role in health services training and deployments such as the NATO training mission in Afghanistan. He is currently the Executive Director of Mayerville Management Consulting Services and continues to contribute to the healthcare sector, notably as a board member for Ontario’s Home and Community Care Support Services.
Denis Vaillancourt, for more than 40 years of service in education. He held several leadership positions, including Director of Education for the Conseil Scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO), and also as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario. He has also served as chair of United Way Eastern Ontario and as a member of the French-language Health Services Advisory Council. Vaillancourt has previously received numerous honors, including L’Ordre de la Francophonie de Prescott-Russell and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
“It is an honour,” Vaillancourt said about receiving the Charles III medal.
“You don’t know who puts your name up,” he remarked.
Vaillancourt said he never spent his career seeking honours for his work.
In total, 30,000 King Charles III Coronation Medals are being awarded in Canada. Out of that total, 4,000 medals are being awarded to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the remainder are being awarded to civilians.
Photos: James Morgan
