OTTAWA – Ron Cannan, MP for Kelowna-Lake Country is pleased to announce that Vonnie Lavers of Kelowna received one of the first of 60,000 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals to be presented to Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and country.

Ms. Lavers received her medal at a ceremony held today at Rideau Hall for her efforts in the community to provide healthy food to families in need. The Prime Minister and His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada were in attendance.

Today was the first day of Diamond Jubilee Week (February 6-12) which launches the Diamond Jubilee Year in Canada to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne on February 6, 1952. The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created in honour of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

In celebration of this event, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna – Lake Country, would like to invite you to nominate eligible candidates to receive this national honour. This is a unique opportunity to recognize everyday Canadians who dedicate their time and efforts to bettering the lives of those around them, and making Canada stronger.

Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to their community or country? If so, you can nominate them through the following website www.cannan.ca or by contacting Louise Levesque in Mr. Cannan’s office at 250 470-5075 or at ron@cannan.ca and complete a Nomination Form. The deadline for submitting nominations is May 31, 2012.

To be eligible for this honour, a person must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, but need not necessarily reside in Canada; must have made a significant contribution to our community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and must be alive on February 6, 2012.

We encourage you to visit the Diamond Jubilee website at www.diamondjubilee.pch.gc.ca and participate in this extraordinary celebration of service and dedication. As we celebrate this Jubilee with Her Majesty, let’s mark our collective pride in Canada and of being part of a great country that is the envy of the world.