Every year on July 1, the Office of the Secretary of the Governor General (OSGG) issues a list of new nominations to the Order of Canada. But the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the advisory council from meeting so instead this year the OSGG presents a list of “remarkable Canadians” who have earned special recognition for their service to their community and country.

Four names from the Prescott-Russell region are on this year’s list of special honours.

Jonathan Pitre of Embrun received a posthumous nomination for the Meritorious Service Cross for his efforts to promote public awareness of epidermolysis bullosa, and raise funds for research into the debilitating disease which took his life in the end.

Tina Boileau of Embrun, mother of Jonathan Pitre, will receive the Meritorious Service Medal for her dedication to her son’s work and in carrying on Jonathan Pitre’s legacy.

Captain Jacques J. Gagné (retired) of Rockland, will receive the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for his work supporting military families through the Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada and the Royal Military Colleges Foundation since 2004.

Yves Berthiaume of Hawkesbury will receive the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership as the head of Optimist International and for his contributions to youth education.

The OSGG affirmed that personal presentations of all awards will take place at a later date when public health safety conditions permit.