Mélissa Gélinas

Marie Trudeau, a woman with a disability and Aylmer resident, recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her exemplary work with people with disabilities.

More specifically, this is a special commemorative award to honour the significant contributions of Canadians within their communities or abroad. This medal was created on May 6, 2023, to mark the coronation of King Charles III. It is the first-ever Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. It will also be awarded to more than 30,000 deserving individuals across the country.

Marie Trudeau has had a rewarding career, which has allowed her to become President of the National Paraplegic Association. “I started working as an integration advisor and later became the executive director in Montreal,” she explained. Marie also worked closely with Rick Hansen, a Canadian activist and athlete with reduced mobility who travelled the world in a wheelchair. “That was 40 years ago; I was about 35 or 36 at the time.”

Marie also received two other medals from the Queen during her career. “It’s truly an honour,” she stated.

“I then returned to work for the government in 1989, where I held the position of Program Manager for the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Rights Secretariat,” she continues.

It was during that same year that Marie moved to Aylmer. “I’ve never returned to Montreal,” she said. “I’m very comfortable where I am in my house, which is adapted to my condition, thanks to the government’s housing program.”

Marie is particularly keen to point out that she subscribes to the Aylmer Bulletin. “I really enjoy reading it and doing the crossword puzzles in it,” she said.

Photo: Marie Trudeau in the Aylmer Bulletin Office (March 28, 2025) (MG) Photo: Mélissa Gélinas