Honourable senators, as parliamentarians, we have been entrusted with the profound privilege of presenting the King Charles III Coronation Medal to outstanding Canadians, individuals who have devoted themselves to the service of our great nation through meaningful contributions across various sectors and regions. This honour is reserved for those who have significantly enriched their province or territory and community.

Today, it is my immense pleasure and deep honour to recognize one such remarkable individual, Ms. Mary Deros.

With profound admiration, I nominated Ms. Deros as a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She is a long-serving and highly respected city councillor — she’s actually the dean of city hall in Montreal, a two-time member of the executive committee with two different administrations — and community leader from Montreal, someone I have been fortunate to know personally and collaborate with on numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others.

Born in Athens to parents of Greek and Armenian heritage, Ms. Deros shares a story familiar to so many proud Canadians, one of resilience and hope. Her family overcame great adversity before seeking a better life in a new land, eventually settling here in Canada.

For Ms. Deros and her family, that new beginning was in Montreal’s vibrant and ever-evolving Park Extension district. While much about the community has changed over the years, one constant over the past quarter century has been the enduring presence and steadfast dedication of Mary Deros.

As a city councillor for over 26 years, she represents without a doubt probably the most diverse district in Canada, Park Extension, regardless of her constituents’ ethnicity, religion, gender or social standing. Mary Deros has tirelessly worked to build bridges, foster inclusion and bring people together.

As someone who grew up in Parc-Extension as a son of Greek immigrants, I understand the unique challenges faced by its residents, especially by new Canadians arriving in search of a better future.

While many associate immigration policies with federal or provincial governments, it is often the municipal government that has the most direct and immediate impact on the day-to-day lives of new Canadians. Mary Deros understands this better than anyone. Her advocacy on behalf of her community is as resolute as it is inspiring. Mary has been a tireless and unwavering voice for her constituents, always putting their needs above all else. The enduring trust and confidence her community has placed in her over the years speak volumes about her dedication and character.

She is a highly regarded community leader whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on Montreal. For over three decades, she has championed numerous community-based organizations, including the PEYO, the Shield of Athena, the Hellenic Ladies Benevolent Society, Pink in the City and the Panellinios soccer club, among others. Her boundless energy and commitment to helping others have inspired countless individuals. She is loved by Greeks, Armenians, South Asians — you name the community; they consider Mary Deros their own.

Mary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your steadfast service, your passion for your community and your enduring legacy are a source of inspiration to us all. I am especially delighted to know that your husband, Peter, is here with us today to celebrate this momentous occasion. Thank you dearly for everything you have done for Parc-Extension, for Montreal, for Quebec and for Canada. God bless you.