Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal
On September 3, 2024, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington.
The special honour was awarded to twenty individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada and who have shown a commitment to making the lives of their neighbours better. The recipients all made a positive difference in their community and to the country through community service, high professionalism and/or achievement and sustained contribution in their field.
Mayor Meed Ward was honoured for her collaborative leadership, driven by principles of integrity, transparency and accountability. MP Damoff noted Mayor Meed Ward’s work on building an inclusive community, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, and commitment to sustainable growth and climate action.
She was also honoured for her work as chair of Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) spearheading the Solve the Crisis campaign, as well as leading H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives), which seeks to support and empower women in elected office. Earlier this year, H.E.R. launched a pledge calling on all elected officials to end toxic and abusive behaviour in politics. This pledge has since grown on a national scale, being adopted by the Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians.
"I am deeply honored to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal. I am grateful to be recognized alongside so many dedicated individuals who share a commitment to improving the lives of others” said Mayor Meed Ward. “This award inspires me to continue working tirelessly to make a positive impact and to contribute to the advancement and well-being of our community. Thank you to MP Pam Damoff for her ongoing support and the incredible honour.”
The Coronation Medal was created by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation.
The Royal Monogram (CIIIR) in the centre of the Emblem and the Royal Crown at the top are personal symbols of The King. The ring of triangular shapes evokes the image of a string of pennants displayed for a celebration. These 13 shapes allude to Canada’s provinces and territories, and their circular arrangement conveys the idea of inclusion for all Canadians. The circle is also an important concept for many Indigenous Peoples, symbolizing not only equity but also the cycles of the natural world. The green colour of the shapes is associated with the environment, which has long been an important cause for His Majesty, and it symbolizes hope and growth.