Picture Butte and Coaldale Mayors honoured with Queen Elizabeth II Medal

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

Mayor of Picture Butte, Cathy Moore, and Mayor of Coaldale, Jack Van Rijn have been awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal during a ceremony held in Calgary on Dec. 4

The medals are awarded to a distinguished group of recipients who were nominated by other Albertans who indicated the nominee should be recognized for their contributions and commitment to their communities

Although the tradition of commemorative medals dates back to the middle ages, since the 1930s the selection criteria has shifted to a more equitable approach, whereby medals are awarded with “equitable representation” in mind. The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal was created in 2022 by the provincial government and will be awarded to 7,000 Albertans who are emblematic of the late Sovereign’s own commitment to public service.

Mayor Moore said, “I am totally honoured to receive it. I was surprised and wasn’t expecting it at all.”

She said the ceremony took place on Dec. 4 in downtown Calgary, where 90 recipients were awarded the medal that particular day. Moore added the event itself was, “really nice.”

Recipients were presented their medals by Cathy Heron, president of Alberta Municipalities. Mayor Van Rijn extended his congratulations to all of the recipients. In recent weeks, the medal has been awarded to other community leaders in the region, including Coaldale Councillor Jacen Abrey and Lethbridge County Reeve, Tory Campbell. “I would also like to congratulate my fellow award recipients, who have been recognized as community builders in Alberta,” said Van Rijn. He added he is “incredibly grateful for receiving this award and humbled by its significance.” Van Rijn added, “I truly enjoy working with council and our administrative team to improve Coaldale and the lives of our residents. The betterment of our community is important, not only to me, but to all of council.”

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