Longtime Nelson city councillor Donna Macdonald has been nominated for the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
Fellow councillor Candace Batycki put her name forward to the Regional District of Central Kootenay this month, which has been asked by MP Alex Atamanenko to suggest up to 10 candidates.
Batycki said Macdonald has “spearheaded numerous successful initiatives” as a councillor, including the Nelson Housing Forum and Cultural Development Commission.
She also noted Macdonald has been a mentor to local women in politics.
“It is important that community leaders be recognized for their service,” Batycki wrote, “in order to encourage others to continue the work that keeps Canada strong. It is also important that Canada have strong female political role models, so we can increase the percentage of female elected officials in our nation.”
First elected in 1988, Macdonald has spent 16 years in all at the council table. She has also represented the city on the regional district board, and is presently the alternate rep.
Macdonald becomes the seventh person — and first woman — so far nominated by the RDCK for the medal, which is intended to “honour significant contributions and achievements” as part of celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary.
Five others nominees are also current or former RDCK directors: Hans Cunningham, Corky Evans, Josh Smienk, John Voykin, and Gary Wright.
Castlegar accountant Geoff Yule rounds out the list.
Voykin has already received his medal, while the rest are expected to be honoured this fall.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has also nominated former Fruitvale mayor Libby Nelson.
