Mayor Mary Giuliano is the latest Fernie recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) nominated Giuliano to receive the honour for her continued contributions to the community of Fernie.
“It was a real shock to receive this because it was totally unexpected,” commented Giuliano. “I love doing things for my community and you don’t expect to be rewarded with any type of recognition. So when you do get it, it means a great deal.”
She went on to say, “My reward is always the satisfaction I get from being able to help people and serve the community, and I don’t say that lightly. It really is what I enjoy doing.”
The City of Fernie held a small ceremony during a council meeting on Tuesday to present Giuliano with the medal.
CAO Jim Hendricks read aloud the letter FCM had sent with the medal. “Your peers in local government across the country admire your accomplishments as a community leader, and congratulate you on earning this prestigious award,” he read. “FCM chose you to receive this distinction for your exemplary efforts to make your community a great place to live. It recognizes the important role municipalities, and their elected leaders, play in ensuring our prosperity and high quality of life.”
The Diamond Jubilee medal was created by the Government of Canada to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years of service to the country. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized.