Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
EMS EXEMPLARY SERVICE MEDAL CEREMONY
Government House
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
(please check against delivery)
Fellow Manitobans, providers of emergency medical services, welcome to this celebration of careers dedicated to others.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I am pleased to acknowledge first that we are gathered on Treaty 1 land and in the heartland of the Red River Metis and that our province is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene and Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation and the homeland of the Red River Métis. As well, Manitoba includes northern lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
As Manitobans, we respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
Cultures around the world have long recognized the need for people who dedicate themselves to the care and protection of their community and of individuals in need.
And as societies have grown in complexity, protecting others became established as a specialized career.
Here in Canada, over the last forty years, we have developed a series of exemplary service medals to recognize long-term commitment in a number of fields that involve a level of potential risk in society’s service.
Today, I am pleased to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal by recognizing men and women who have provided emergency care throughout Manitoba.
As EMS professionals, these individuals have seen it all. Their minimum of twenty years of service has spanned the duration of the opioid crisis. They were at the front lines throughout the entirety of the covid 19 pandemic.
And they’ve been there, night and day, on streets and highways, in homes and workplaces, in cities and towns, north and south – wherever and whenever people need emergency care and transportation.
For these individuals, every work day – or night – can become a time of urgent action, bravery, and painful tragedy.
Their work provides the rest of us with the confidence to go about our daily lives – at work, at home, at play – knowing that somebody has our back.
As Manitobans, and as Canadians, we all believe in the importance of a province and country that allows for freedom, opportunity and quality of life. These dedicated professionals allow their fellow citizens to enjoy the benefits of living in this province and nation.
To all of today’s award recipients, I thank you for your service and professionalism and I wish you the satisfaction of an important job done well.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom