Honouring community heroes

MP Mary Ng celebrated community excellence by hosting the King Charles III Coronation Medal awards ceremony at Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall in Markham on March 19.

The event recognized 40 distinguished community members who are among the 30,000 recipients being honoured nationwide through the King Charles III Coronation Medal program. These medals, created to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation, are awarded to Canadians who have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities and country. Recipients were selected through a nomination process that sought to identify individuals whose extraordinary contributions and selfless service have created lasting positive change within their communities.

Ng, who has represented Markham-Thornhill since 2017, delivered a heartfelt address celebrating the achievements of the medal recipients.

“Looking around this room, I’m struck by how you all represent the very best of Canada. You embody the values that define us — kindness, courage, compassion, and hard work,” she remarked, highlighting the diversity of the assembled honourees.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti also attended, congratulating the honourees and expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions. He commended Ng for her dedicated service to Markham–Thornhill, highlighting the federal infrastructure, transit, and housing investments she’s delivered for residents. He praised her vital support for local businesses during COVID-19, her leadership in advancing Markham as a technology hub, and her commitment to breaking down barriers for communities throughout the riding.

In a poignant moment, Ng reflected on her time as MP, noting that “as my time as a Member of Parliament draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together. It seems perfectly fitting that one of my final important events would be spent with all of you — the very people who embody the best of what we’ve built.”

The highlight of the evening was the medal presentations, as each recipient’s achievements were read aloud before they received their medal and certificate from Ng, marking a memorable celebration of service and dedication.

Photo: MP Mary Ng with 40 King Charles III Coronation Medal Awards recipients.