Hartley Bay to be Commended

[FiveParadox]

On the twenty-second day of March of this year, one of the biggest disasters in the modern history of the Province of British Columbia occurred, with the catastrophic sinking of the Queen of the North. Fortunately, the residents of Hartley Bay stepped in: Every effort was made by residents to rescue the passengers and crew of the vessel, and to care for them once rescued in their own community centre.

Her Honour the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, P.C., C.M., O.B.C., the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General of Canada, on the third of May, is to present the residents of the community with the Governor General's Commendation for Outstanding Service — a rarely-issued, prestigious recognition.

Undeterred by the magnitude of the disaster, the residents of the community of Hartley Bay responded quickly to the call for help, rescuing victims with their fishing boats and providing safety and comfort in the warmth of their community centre. The villagers of Hartley Bay demonstrated initiative, selflessness and an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of others, for which they can be very proud. The entire community, from children to elders, is to be commended for its tremendous spirit and the remarkable example it has set.

Click here to read the entire statement in English.
Cliquetez içi pour lire le communiqué entier en français.

:arrow: My Opinion Re: The Commendation

I would agree that these residents should be commended. The way in which these people opened their arms, and hearts, to the passengers and crew of that ill-fated ship, and jumped to action when they became aware that something on that ship was indeed amiss, stands as an inspiration to the people of Canada — I only hope that any one else in that situation would have done the same thing, and that the same sense of community and co-operation that exists at Hartley Bay exists elsewhere in this country, too.

:?: Sources
1. Click here for the Web site of the Governor General of Canada.