The medal has been bestowed on candidates who made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or had an outstanding accomplishment abroad that brings honour to Canada.
Here’s a look at some of uOttawa’s remarkable recipients.
Marie-Claude Gagnon: A voice for victims of sexual violence
For Marie-Claude Gagnon, manager of accessibility at uOttawa’s Human Rights Office, advocacy is more than a mission — it’s a lifelong commitment. Gagnon received the medal for her significant contributions to the University, the Armed Forces and the military sexual trauma community as a tireless advocate for and supporter of victims of workplace sexual violence. Many recent improvements in how victims among the military and veterans are treated and supported stem from Gagnon’s development of an online network to support victims of military sexual trauma.
“This award not only underscores the significant strides made by the network in enhancing treatment and support for victims among the military and veterans, but also emphasizes the ongoing importance of this crucial work.
“This honour strengthens my resolve as manager of the Human Rights Office to cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported,” says Gagnon.
“This honour strengthens my resolve as manager of the Human Rights Office to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.”
Marie-Claude Gagnon
— Manager of accessibility, uOttawa Human Rights Office
Gagnon is pursuing a part-time graduate diploma in equity, diversity and inclusion at Saint Paul University. She’s also engaging in public consultations to shape uOttawa’s 2025–2030 Accessibility Plan.
Isabelle Wallace: Championing Indigenous health care
For Isabelle Wallace, a Wolastoqew from the Maliseet First Nation, the impact of her work goes far beyond recognition. A registered nurse with a Master of Nursing from uOttawa, Wallace has dedicated her career to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action in the health sector. She served in remote First Nations and Inuit communities, providing vital care in underserved areas and improving nursing staff recruitment and retention, with a strong emphasis on supporting Indigenous nurses.
Wallace recalls being shocked when she received notification of her medal nomination. “For me, it’s never about recognition. It’s about the impact I can have by contributing my knowledge and expertise,” Wallace says. She adds, “Representation matters, and as a First Nations nurse, my goal is to not only represent nurses but also First Nations peoples within health-care systems, to enhance cultural safety.”
“Representation matters, and as a First Nations nurse, my goal is to not only represent nurses but also First Nations peoples within health-care systems, to enhance cultural safety.”
Isabelle Wallace
— a Wolastoqew registered nurse with a Master of Nursing degree from uOttawa
Humbled by receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Wallace wants to share the recognition with her mentors for guiding her professional journey.
Currently, Wallace leads a team of public health nurses at Indigenous Services Canada, while also prioritizing spending time with family and friends.
Laurie Chan: Pioneering environmental health research
For decades, Professor Laurie Chan has been at the forefront of environmental health and toxicology research. Partnering with over 100 Indigenous communities in Canada, he has worked to uncover sources of local environmental contamination and assess the associated health risks.
Chan’s research not only contributes to the advancement of science internationally but also informs policy development at different levels of government, ensuring environmental justice and protecting the health of sensitive populations. Chan’s research on mercury contamination in seafood provided the scientific basis for guidelines that helped reduce exposure and safeguard the health of vulnerable populations in Canada and beyond.
“I am profoundly honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation medal. This prestigious recognition holds immense significance for me as a first-generation Canadian. I want to express my gratitude to Canada for providing me with the opportunities to grow and excel. This award represents not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the collaborative efforts and dedication of everyone who has been part of this journey,” says Chan.
“This award represents not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the collaborative efforts and dedication of everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Laurie Chan
— Professor and Canada Research Chair in Toxicology and Environmental Health
Chan’s ongoing research explores how exposure to environmental chemicals during fetal development can cause long-term neurobehavioural effects in children and adults. He continues to collaborate in the field with Indigenous communities in Canada, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil and Peru, helping build capacity to adapt to the impact of climate change on food security and developing strategies to mitigate global chemical pollution.
The University of Ottawa extends heartfelt congratulations to all recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Their dedication, innovation and service continue to inspire communities within Canada and around the globe.
The complete list of King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients will be published on the Governor General website in May.
