His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) to 45 recipients from various sectors across the country on Friday, November 25, 2016.
Among the recipients was Peter Wright, alumni of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Mr. Wright was recognized for his actions on June 15, 2012, while he was providing humanitarian aid in Maban, South Sudan. He learned that three United Nations staff had been captured by a local army group commander miles away from any other help. Without any financial or protective support, Mr. Wright entered the heavily guarded camp and successfully negotiated the release of the three staff members. Thanks to his courage, cultural awareness and quick thinking, a high-risk situation was defused without violence or loss of life.
The Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. Their acts are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community. The best candidates are those who inspire others through their motivation to find solutions to specific and pressing needs or provide an important service to their community or country. For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit www.merit.gg.ca.