REGINA - Three people from southeast Saskatchewan were among those who received King Charles III Coronation Medals during a ceremony at Government House in Regina on Thursday.
Long-time Cannington MLA Dan D'Autremont, business leader and philanthropist Vi Day and journalist Brian Zinchuk were presented with the honours.
D'Autremont, who lived in the Alida area, was the MLA for the Cannington constituency from 1991-2020. At the time he retired, he was the longest-serving MLA in the Saskatchewan legislature. He was a founding member of the Saskatchewan Party in 1997, and also served a term as the speaker of the legislative assembly.
Day, whose family operates Fast Trucking in Carnduff, has earned a number of recognitions, thanks to the success of the business and its contributions to southeast Saskatchewan. She was a recipient of the 2022 Southeast Saskatchewan Legends Award at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show. Her citation states she has contributed significantly to the oil and gas sector in Saskatchewan for over 65 years.
Zinchuk, who owns and operates the Pipeline Online news website, is an award-winning photojournalist who has used journalism to contribute to the understanding of the oil and gas industry through a focus on providing news on Saskatchewan's energy industry.
"As the representative of The King in Saskatchewan, I am honoured to present these medals, which celebrate His Majesty's coronation while recognizing outstanding Canadians," Mirasty said.
"Those receiving Coronation Medals today have made remarkable contributions in areas ranging from health care to industry to recreation. The list of honourees includes a veteran of the Second World War and volunteers who have generously donated countless hours to worthy charities. Each recipient has helped to make life better for the people of our province."
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the coronation of King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. The first King Charles III Coronation Medal was awarded to Saskatchewan citizens on May 6, 2024. White Bear First Nations artist Michael Lonechild was among those recognized.
This award can also be given posthumously, provided the individual was alive on the date of the coronation.
