Thirty Deserving DUC Supporters Awarded Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal

STONEWALL, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Dec 7, 2012) - Thirty deserving Canadians have been awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for their contributions to conservation and their work with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). The medal serves to honour contributions and achievements made by Canadians who represent the full breadth of our society. The individuals will be recognized at ceremonies in their local areas over the coming months.

DUC was given the privilege by the Government of Canada to nominate worthy individuals as recipients of the medal. An extensive national search and selection process was undertaken by the Nominating Committee of DUC''s Board of Directors.

"Ducks Unlimited Canada was honoured to be able to nominate outstanding Canadians for this prestigious medal," said Jack Hole, Chairman of the DUC Board and Nominating Committee. "We considered many elements in the selection process and believe that those nominated demonstrate outstanding commitment not only to DUC and our mission, but also to their communities as conservation leaders. DUC is fortunate to be supported by thousands of outstanding and dedicated people. Those being honoured today are an example of this tremendous support that exists across the country."

A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II''s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The 30 successful medal recipients nominated by DUC are:

Mike Anderson, Man.

Gary Austin, Ont.

Mel Belich, Alta.

Marvin Betz, Ont.

David Bissett, Alta.

Richard (Dick) Bonnycastle, Alta.

Peter Carton, Sask.

Bettylou Christenson, B.C.

Neil Downey, Alta.

Hugh Fairn, N.S.

Judy Griffith, B.C.

Geoff Harding, N.B.

Michele Harvey, N.B.

Ron Hicks, Sask.

John Johnston, N.B.

Tim Kenny, Que.

Henry Kozler, B.C.

Terry Lubzinski, B.C.

Doug MacDonald, P.E.I.

George Merry, Ont.

John (Jack) Messer, Sask.

D. Stewart Morrison, Man.

Jim Richardson, Man.

Rick Robb, Ont.

Pierre Sylvestre, Que.

Derek Toovey, Sask.

Bill Turnbull, Alta.

Stu Weldon, Nfld.

Henry (Harry) Williams, Man.

Tod Wright, Ont.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at www.ducks.ca.