Agencies:

The Deputy Governor General of Canada in British Columbia, Janet Austin, awarded the Order of Merit to 16 of the province's residents in appreciation of the services they provided to the community.

In a statement, the Deputy Governor General expressed her pleasure at granting these distinguished individuals the highest civilian honor in the province.

Among the recipients of the Order of Merit is Dr. Bonnie Henry, Chief Medical Officer of British Columbia, in recognition of the leading role she played during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to a number of Indigenous leaders, artists, philanthropists, community pioneers, and businesspeople.

Among the recipients of the Order of Merit are Joe Alphonse, leader of the Tsilhqot'in Nation among the Indigenous peoples, artist Joe Average from Vancouver, finance industry pioneer Debra Duset, businessman Ajay Delauri, and Dr. Debra Pruthi who worked for more than three decades in the palliative care department at Victoria Hospital.

The Tsilhqot'in Nation expressed that they celebrate the receipt of the medal by leader Joe Alphonse and appreciate his efforts that contributed to securing their rights to traditional lands.

John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia, congratulated in a statement all who received the Order of Merit for the significant contributions they have made and their dedication to serving the community.

"Medical pioneers who helped us get through this difficult pandemic with their expertise as well as tact and kindness"

Premier John Horgan in a statement.

He added praise for the inspiring philanthropists, the determination of environmental protectors, and the strength of Indigenous leaders.

Dr. Bonnie Henry is a shining personality:

Dr. Bonnie Henry shone and became a well-known face during the pandemic thanks to her daily appearances at a press conference through which she informs the province’s residents about virus developments and provides guidance on necessary preventive measures to confront it.

Dr. Henry became a symbol of the fight against Corona in the province, in Canada, and internationally.

The New York Times published an article praising Dr. Henry’s performance, titled: "Dr. Henry Passed the Coronavirus Test with Flying Colors."

The newspaper continued, saying that Dr. Henry proved to be one of the most effective public health officials in the world and that countries struggling to emerge from lockdown can take inspiration from her.

“Be calm, be kind, be safe” is a slogan launched by Dr. Bonnie Henry, which became a symbol of combating the pandemic in British Columbia and is used in various circumstances.

The Chief Medical Officer was threatened and had to seek protection in her home, and she expressed her belief that part of the threats is due to her being a woman in a position of authority, as people feel comfortable targeting her in ways they would not use against a male leader.

Deputy Governor General Janet Austin will bestow the medals in an official ceremony held in the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, next December.