Ontario awarded 20 of the province’s most exceptional civic leaders with the 2024 and 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Renamed in tribute to the late monarch, this medal is the province’s second highest civilian honour and recognizes those whose leadership and exceptional volunteer service have left a lasting impact on their communities and helped build a stronger Ontario and Canada. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, honoured two local recipients, Debbie Kirwin of Huntsville and Carole Madsen of Alliston at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park in Toronto. “Service to others lies at the heart of our communities,” said Dumont. “Through the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, I am delighted to honour exceptional individuals and recognize their remarkable contributions across our province.” Since 1973, people have been awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for their lifelong dedication to noble causes, including protecting Ontario’s natural heritage, promoting the arts, culture, and sports, and helping create safer communities. “It is always a privilege to recognize those who have selflessly given back to their communities,” said Graham McGregor, minister of citizenship and multiculturalism. “Their hard work, dedication and generosity are deeply valued and reflect the very best of Ontario.” Meet our local recipients of the 2024 Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship Debbie Kirwin For more than 20 years, Debbie Kirwin has been a prominent advocate for accessibility and inclusion in Huntsville, the District of Muskoka, and across Ontario. Through her service on municipal and provincial Accessibility Advisory Committees, she has strengthened accessible transit, public spaces, housing and employment. Her contributions to many community improvement initiatives, including the award-winning Yellow Ramp project, have helped remove and prevent accessibility barriers for the community and visitors. Recognized for her thoughtful approach, she brings vision, knowledge, and determination as she continues to support the advancement of accessibility for inclusion. Carole Madsen For more than three decades, Carole Madsen has been a dedicated volunteer in the Alliston community. Her involvement in local schools, youth safety programs, welcoming initiatives, hospice care and church activities reflects her deep compassion and commitment to service. In her role on the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, she strengthens local health care through outreach and sustained fundraising. She stands as an example of selflessness, inspiring others to contribute to the greater good. Her creativity and talent for rallying people around a shared vision have made a long-standing contribution to Alliston and the wider community.
