Yvan Baker Honoured with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Yvan Baker’s endeavours have previously been reported in our press: a successful management consultant, a lecturer in the MBA program at the Schulich School of Business (York University), a recent president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Ontario), an active and consistent public figure in various areas of public life.

The Ukrainian community remembers his significant contribution to the revitalization of community life, including the establishment of Ukrainian Heritage Day in Ontario. It is the official recognition of the great contributions of many generations of Ukrainian immigrants in the growth of this country of the maple leaf. Of course, the celebration of Ukrainian Heritage Day is for Ukrainian Canadians not only a major recognition of their contribution, but also an obligation of further productive work.

Yvan Baker’s dynamic and dedicated community work has not been overlooked on the Canadian provincial and federal levels. The former premier of Ontario nominated him to the high award – the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Recently, a member of the provincial parliament Donna Cansfield (Etobicoke Centre), on behalf of the Governor General of Canada David Johnston, presented Yvan Baker with the Diamond Jubilee Medal and certificate which stated: “In granting you this honour, I thank you for your dedicated service to your peers, to your community and to Canada. The contributions you have made to our nation are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration. I wish to convey to you the heartfelt congratulations of your fellow Canadians, to which I add my own.”

Further, as a promising politician, Yvan Baker intends to seek the nomination to become the next provincial candidate for the Liberal Party in Etobicoke Centre when the Ontario Liberal Party opens the nomination process in the near future.

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian community responded to Yvan Baker’s recent call: it expanded the membership in the Etobicoke Centre Riding Association, it multiplied the number of volunteers, etc.

And so, a new star has appeared on Toronto’s political horizon. First of all, it is up to us how brightly and how long it will shine for all Canadians.

PHOTO

Donna Cansfield, MPP (Etobicoke Centre) conveys award on behalf of the Governor General to Yvan Baker