As the Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington, I am pleased to award 20 outstanding individuals with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. 

The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada, which took place on May 5, 2023.To celebrate this historic milestone, we pay tribute to His Majesty’s lifetime of committed service to Canada, the Commonwealth, and its citizens. The Coronation Medal is first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation and is the first Canadian honour to feature the Canadian Royal Crown approved by His Majesty The King, as part of its design.

The Coronation Medal is a visible and tangible way to recognize outstanding individuals of all ages, abilities and from all walks of life who have made a difference in their communities. The medal highlight’s several themes, including service to community and country, the environment and sustainability and our nation’s diversity, which are themes that both King Charles III and Canadians hold dear. Therefore, nominations focused on the achievements of persons who have helped build the Canada of today, including youth, volunteers, educators, veterans, and health care workers.

Each of the Coronation Medal medal recipients have made a significant impact in our community and to our country through community service, high professionalism and/or achievement and sustained contribution in their field.

Choosing 20 people to receive this honour was not easy, but I think we can agree that those who have been selected for Oakville North-Burlington exemplify the values of service and selflessness, professionalism and commitment, that make them worthy recipients to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Congratulations to all recipients, and thank you for demonstrating a true commitment to improving the lives of your neighbours!

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Colin Brennan

Colin Brennan was singing before he could talk. His first tune was the Care Bears theme song. Now at age 22 Colin has successfully performed on and off stages across Canada, United States, and England.

At age six, Colin was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum. Colin's devoted intense passion for music, particularly singing and playing piano, has allowed him to exceed all expectations, both in music and his education. After graduating from White Oaks Secondary School with honours, Colin pursued a college diploma and graduated from the Advanced Applied Music Classical Voice program at Mohawk College.

Through his music and achievements, Colin has proven that autism does not need to be a disability, but with hard work dedication, and passion, the unachievable can ultimately be achieved. Colin has recorded 5 different albums and has been honoured to sing for many political leaders at all levels of government. Colin has also volunteered thousands of hours singing at Walton Memorial United Church, at bedsides of recovering patients at Oakville Trafalgar hospital, and at numerous Senior citizens homes throughout Oakville.

Irene Marie Clarke

Irene Clarke was a passionate social & environmental justice advocate at the forefront of many initiatives, including being a founding member of Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet (GASP).

Irene was a deep thinker, a researcher, and an organizer who applied her calm leadership skills to build solidarity for activism. She wanted the world to be a better place and she heeded Margaret Mead’s advice: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Having raised four children and worked as a nursing administrator, Irene devoted her retirement to volunteer work that advanced the cause of environmental and social justice.

Irene was a feminist who had a passion for equitable access to health care and the rights of women and girls to a life free of gender-based violence. Central to Irene’s passion and commitment was her belief in a world where the rights of older women, children, and youth are recognized and protected. Irene inspired others, worked tirelessly, created partnerships, and managed to work through the obstacles that frequently deter others. To those of us who knew her, we will continue to be inspired by her.

For all her advocacy work and community service, and the impact she has made on countless others, Irene is being posthumously honored with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Accepting the medal on Irene’s behalf is her husband, Marco Clarke, and her two grandchildren, Zander Melana and Natalie Goodyear-Pope.

Bindu Cudjoe

Bindu Cudjoe is the Executive Vice-President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Inclusion and Equity Officer, and Corporate Secretary for Laurentian Bank of Canada, overseeing legal, regulatory compliance, privacy, financial crimes and ethics risk and leading the Bank's strategy on equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility. 

A resident of North Oakville for over 20 years, Bindu is active in her professional and local communities and is a sought-after speaker and catalyst for innovative thinking, having been recognized with many awards for legal excellence, leadership and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Bindu is a former Chair and current director with the Oakville Community Foundation, helping develop the Foundation’s Reconciliation, Equity and Anti-Racism Statement, was a founder of the Women’s Giving Collective, and represents the Foundation with the Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project developed with the Mississaugas of Credit First Nation. Bindu also chaired the Emily Carr Public School’s parent council for 3 years and served on the board and in leadership roles for Central West Specialized Developmental Services.

LCdr (Ret) Walter J. Dermott, CD, OMC

As a veteran Lieutenant-Commander, Walter Dermott continues to put Canada before self, continuously volunteering and giving back to the community.

For over twenty-five years, Walt has committed to excellence in all he does. He leads with distinction ensuring that all parties are engaged and energized & shares the passion of his infectious volunteer spirit.

His work at the Friends of HMCS HAIDA has allowed the organization to grow substantially within the community and country-wide, by bringing additional individuals and expertise to the Board of Directors and Management, along with modernizing the museum’s gift shop and displays and updating the charity’s brand.

Walt also engages various groups and veterans to share experiences and regalia for the Museum. In 2010, he joined the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans, providing ongoing support to senior veterans who call our community home. In 2020, he began volunteering with the Brigs Youth Sail Training program.

Lt (N) (Ret) Gisela E. Dermott

Navy Lieutenant Gisela Dermott has volunteered with the Friends of HMCS HAIDA since 2014, joining as a member of the Board of Directors and serving as the Corporate Secretary, and continuously putting Canada before self by volunteering and giving back to the community.

Gisela led the engagement of Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor to become the Patron of the HMCS HAIDA, liaising with that office in support of the charity’s mission. Gisela is also supporting the process of cataloging the many historical artifacts that the Museum has for display. These achievements have raised awareness of HMCS HAIDA as a historic site, bringing the attention to all Canadians of our region and our country’s proud naval heritage.

For over 12 years, Gisela has committed to excellence in all she does. She leads with a high level of professionalism ensuring that all parties are engaged, energized and share the passion of her volunteer spirit. Her work at HMCS HAIDA has allowed the organization to grow and gain a stronger presence within the community. In 2023 she joined Burl-Oak Naval Veterans to support senior veterans in our community.

Dr. Frank Hayden

Dr. Frank Hayden is an icon in inclusive sport. Since spearheading the Special Olympics movement in the 1960s, he has strongly advocated the transformative effect of sport on the mental, physical and social well-being of people with intellectual disabilities.

His trailblazing fitness research has contributed to improving the lives of people with disabilities and to the consistent growth in Special Olympics participation. Special Olympics is now the world’s largest sports organization for those with intellectual disabilities—providing year-round training, activities and competition to over 5.7 million people in 204 countries. A beloved mentor to athletes and administrators alike, Dr. Hayden has inspired thousands of people globally.

Dr. Hayden’s accomplishments have led to many awards: induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (2016); the Order of Canada (1999, Officer; 2022, Companion); the Order of Ontario, and awarding of five Honorary Degrees. One of his favourite recognitions was Halton District School Board’s 2013 naming of a Burlington high school as Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School.

Lt (N) Sean Edward Livingston, MStJ, CD

Navy Lieutenant Sean E. Livingston is a naval historian, author, reserve officer, teacher, and a long-time volunteer with St. John Ambulance.

Sean helped to create a memorial to HMCS Oakville in Tannery Park in 2016, which became an exhibit at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre in 2022. Sean organized a ceremony on the 81st anniversary of HMCS Oakville’s christening where the ship’s bell was rung, fulfilling a promise made in 1942 by Mayor Deans. In 2024, his work became a permanent display at Oakville Town Hall. Sean is also the co-founder of the Canadian Naval Tribute Project, a memorial unveiled at HMCS York in 2023 that recognizes the historical contributions of unsung naval heroes in Canada.

For over twenty years, Sean has volunteered with St. John Ambulance Halton & Hamilton Region, including serving as chair of the board. Sean is one of only 1,394 recipients of the Order of St. John’s Life Saving Medal since its creation in 1874, and has been inducted as a life member in the UK Gallantry Medalist League. In 1997, he joined the Naval Reserves, continuing to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and is a former Commanding Officer of the Oakville Sea Cadets.

Rena Lu

As a full-time Settlement/Employment Counsellor at the newcomer services program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Rena Lu has committed herself in the community besides her job since she immigrated to Canada.

Rena is a trusted community leader, active volunteer and advocate for social justice, equity and diversity. In 2012, Rena founded the Oakville Chinese Network Society (OCN) to serve the growing Chinese community in Oakville. As an immigrant herself, Rena feels the pulse of newcomers and has dedicated herself to their socio-economic advancement. Rena is actively involved and committed to reducing loneliness and isolation and increasing participation and social engagement, as well as strengthening the safety and well-being of vulnerable low-income newcomer Chinese seniors, women and youth.

Rena’s has been recognized with several awards for her dedication to community service: Ontario Volunteer Five Years’ Service Award (2015); Halton Newcomer Recognition Award (2017); International Women’s Day Achiever Award (2018); Ontario Volunteer Ten Years’ Service Award (2024); and Senator Vitor Oh Legacy Award (2024).

Dr. David Malkin, MD, FRCP(C)

Dr. Malkin is Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto, holds the CIBC Children’s Foundation Chair in Child Health Research, and is a Staff Oncologist in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Director of the Cancer Genetics program, and a Senior Scientist in the Genetics and Genome Biology Program at SickKids Hospital.

Dr. Malkin’s research focuses on genetic and genomic mechanisms of childhood cancer susceptibility. He is co-Director of the SickKids Cancer Sequencing (KiCS) program, which integrates and translates next generation sequencing into clinical care of children with cancer, and Director of the pan-Canadian multi-institutional PRecision Oncology For Young peopLE (PROFYLE) initiative, which is establishing a pipeline to incorporate next generation sequencing into novel clinical trials (‘precision oncology’) for children and young adults with hard-to-treat cancers across Canada.

Dr. Malkin has received numerous national and international awards. He volunteers with Campfire Circle and the Terry Fox Foundation amongst others, and is a quiet, humble leader in pediatric oncology both in Canada and around the world.

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, one of Ontario’s largest land trusts and steward of Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, the iconic Bruce Trail.

Michael leads a talented team of staff and over 1,400 volunteers who manage 16,000+ acres of protected natural lands along the Niagara Escarpment and over 1,300 kilometres of trail. Together, these dedicated individuals work to fulfill the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s mission, preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever, while responsibly bringing Ontario communities and people from all across Canada into greater connection with nature.

Michael is a graduate of McMaster University and has a Master Naturalist Certificate from Lakehead University. He was a founding member of the Hamilton Burlington Trails Foundation, a prior board member of the Ontario Trails Council, and volunteers for the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark. He is always willing to lend his expertise to those wanting to learn more about nature and the Bruce Trail.  Michael holds the rank of Private in the Canadian Armed Forces (reserves) and is a certified Hike Leader (ON).

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

Marianne Meed Ward is the 30th Mayor of Burlington, the second and longest-serving female mayor in Burlington’s history. She also previously served as Burlington City Councillor (2010-2018).

Mayor Meed Ward is a collaborative leader, driven by principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Under her leadership, she introduced a new governance structure to harness both the skills and experience of each Council member in service to residents. She is leading city planning that is forward-thinking, environmental, and climate-focused.

Mayor Meed Ward is committed to ensuring Burlington is an inclusive community and is committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous residents. Mayor Meed Ward’s key priorities are offering free public transit, championing economic growth initiatives, and leading city growth at a reasonable pace and in the right places.

As Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors Caucus, Mayor Meed Ward spearheaded the successful Solve the Crisis campaign to call on the provincial government to act on homelessness, mental health, and addiction. She also launched HER Halton, which seeks to support and empower women in elected office.

Michael Messenger

Since 2015, Michael Messenger has been President and CEO of World Vision Canada, one of the country’s largest charities, with programs worldwide supporting children and communities through humanitarian relief, development and advocacy.

Michael has been involved with the organization in Canada and around the world for more than 30 years in key governance and senior leadership roles. He travels widely, including to some of the world’s most challenging contexts, engaging with program participants, sharing stories of impact with supporters, and advancing policy and justice initiatives with leaders in government, the UN, churches, and NGO partners. He is also an annual participant in the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville, supporting World Vision water projects around the world.

A former partner in a large law firm, Michael had a broad litigation practice and was chief counsel for a prominent public inquiry into youth criminal justice. Michael has degrees in economics, law and business, including an MBA from the Ivey Business School, where he is a sessional lecturer in the executive MBA program.

Madhusudan Nagaraja

Madhu Nagaraja is a Technology Leader in RegTech, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability initiatives. He currently leads and manages the Technology Operations and Innovation at PointChain Global.

Madhu is a long-distance swimmer, ultra marathon runner, community organizer, sustainability advocate, Arctexyx Adventure Athlete, and the winner of the 2019 Arc’teryx Problem Solvers initiative. To raise awareness of the need to preserve waters for current and future generations, Madhu has taken on remarkable swimming feats, including the Straits of Magellan, Lake Ontario, the English Channel and a multi day ultramarathon run across the Moroccan Sahara.

At the local level, Madhu has he taken the initiative to raise water quality concerns with local officials in Oakville and Halton Region in order to advocate for the conservation and protection of local waters for current and future generations.

Madhu serves as an Executive Committee member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. In 2023, Madhu joined the Swim Drink Fish board as a director and has been a long-time ambassador.

Lt (N) Mark Bradley Phillips, CD

Navy Lieutenant Mark Phillips has been employed full-time for over 20 years at the University of Toronto Library, managing their High-Density Book Storage Facility He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University.

For decades, Mark has worked to support those in need, including youth and veteran communities. Mark has been a Reserve member of the Canadian Armed Forces for over 23 years. He has served as a Cadet Instructor, to lead and train both Army and Sea cadets, including 11 years as a cadet instructor with the Oakville Army Cadets and five years as army cadet Commanding Officer. For over 15 years, Mark has volunteered with the Naval Association of Canada Toronto Branch, previously serving as President and currently serving the Past President and Membership Chair.

Mark is a Co-Founder of the Canadian Naval Tribute Project, a memorial unveiled recognizing the historical contributions of unsung naval heroes in Canada, and which celebrates the virtues of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Mark has also volunteered with St. John Ambulance Toronto Region since 2010, currently serving as Board Chair.

Richard Pinnock, MBA

Richard Pinnock has a distinguished career in the diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) space, with over 30 years of experience across private, public and non-profit sectors.

Currently, he serves as Director, Chief Diversity Officer, at Export Development Canada, a federal Crown Agency. Richard is well known for his DEI work at Walmart Canada —helping to boost female representation in leadership roles across Canada and in Walmart markets around the world. He previously served as Managing Director of INROADS, an organization focused on training and developing underserved youth for corporate and community leadership. 

Richard’s dedication to youth leadership and community service is exemplified by his long track record of volunteering with not-for-profit organizations and local police services. In addition to serving in the Halton Regional Police Service Diversity Engagement Table, and on the DEI Diversity Program Advisory Committee at York University, he currently serves as Vice-President for the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. Richard holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and an MBA from York University. 

Nancy Romic

Nancy Romic is the Executive Director of Shifra Homes Inc., a maternity residence and shelter in Burlington that supports young, homeless, pregnant women between the ages of 16-27.

In the past 12 years, Nancy has committed herself to restructuring the home and programs and along the way has become the voice for these underprivileged youth, advocating for their rights to a better standard of life.

Since taking over Shifra Homes, her notable achievements include opening a second home in August 2022, and a 3rd home in May 2024, with Shifra Homes being the only maternity homes operator in Southwestern Ontario.

For her community service and work, Nancy has been honoured as a recipient of numerous awards: Canada’s 150 Exemplary Women (2017); YWCA Women of Distinction Winner- Community Leadership Halton (2022); the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award (2022); and Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce- Social Impact Award (2024).

James Scongack

James Scongack is the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President at Bruce Power; Chair of the Independent Electricity System Operator Strategic Advisory Committee; and Volunteer Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO).

When you hear the saying “If you want something done ask a busy person”, that person is James. He is a visionary leader who inspires his team and the volunteers with whom he works. 

At Bruce Power, James is responsible for organizational transformation and a wide-range of operational and capital project services at the world’s largest operating nuclear facility and Canada’s largest private-sector electricity infrastructure project. During his over 20-years of service at Bruce Power, he’s served in several diverse leadership roles at the company including the Vice-President of the Bruce B Generating Station, the Vice-President of Environment & Corporate Affairs, and in other leadership roles reporting to the President & CEO dating back to 2005.

James has been recognized as Best Executive (2022 Globe & Mail Report on Business), in Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (Caldwell/Bloomberg), and with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award.

Karina Bianca Scali

Karina Scali is a champion of disability rights who has overcome significant challenges, including bullying, while pursuing her education and endeavours.

Karina’s disability rights advocacy began early on when she was recognized in elementary school by the Halton District School Board with the “Spirit of Inclusion” award. In her advocacy, Karina has drawn inspiration from her own experiences growing up with a disability, showing incredible resilience and determination.

Karina is a qualified Early Childhood Educator who leads by example, showing that individuals with disabilities can achieve great things and make a significant contribution to society. Karina was invited to perform at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards to raise awareness and funds for individuals with disabilities. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the importance of disability inclusion. She has travelled to the United Nations and met the Prime Minister.

Karina’s community service and volunteer efforts are extensive. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Platinum Jubilee Award for her service. 

Eve Willis

Eve Willis has been a community organizer for over 20 years. In 2022, she received Wellspring’s Visionary Award in honour of her significant contributions to our community.

As a long time Oakville resident, Eve Wills has devoted herself to community service and philanthropy following her retirement from a career in publishing. Through her involvement as a loyal donor, volunteer and supporter with Wellspring, Eve has shown a commitment to ensuring Oakville gets the cancer care it need and her generosity has changed the lives of many people living with cancer in our community. Eve currently volunteers with or leads a number of community organizations, including United Way of Oakville, Oakville Hospital Foundation, and Wellspring.

Eve is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, and has been honored by Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow Award); the Oakville Hospital Foundation (Volunteer of the Year Award); the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Horseshoe Chapter (Outstanding Volunteer Award); United Way Oakville (Outstanding Volunteer Award); and Wellspring (Birmingham Gilgan Award for Leadership, Vision and Generosity).

Joe Zaccaira

Joe Zaccaria has been an elementary French Immersion teacher for twenty-one years at Charles R. Beaudoin School in Burlington, inspiring countless young people in our community.

Joe is a fervent advocate for publicly funded education who has recently had the pleasure of seeing several of his former students become teachers themselves.

Joe has served for twelve years as his school's representative for the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), and he is a long-standing member of several ETFO Halton committees.

Joe’s classroom is a welcoming, safe and fun space for every child to learn and grow. Teachers like Joe have a huge influence on their students. His classroom was the first one MP Damoff visited after being elected as an MP in 2015, and she has visited each year since to speak to his students about civics, government, climate change and many other things his engaged students are curious about. If you want to know how pigs fly, visit Joe's classroom.