Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom is the latest proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She was presented with the medal at a special ceremony this morning at City Hall. Sjostrom was nominated by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for her “exemplary efforts to make your community a great place to live.” FCM Executive member and Prince George City Coun. Garth Frizzell was on hand to present the medal.
“I am honoured to be recognized by my peers in local government from across the country,” said Sjostrom. “I haven’t been involved in community work to receive awards. I truly love Quesnel and believe that strong, welcoming and vibrant communities are built by people who share a common vision and are willing to work together to make things happen. But to receive an award of this nature is humbling and I am very thankful to the FCM for nominating me.”
Sjostrom has been involved in the community since moving to Quesnel in 1980. She was a Director on the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce Board, a founding member of the Sunrise 2000 Rotary Club and is a member of the Quesnel Rotary Club. She has chaired the local fundraising dinner for the Pacific Salmon Foundation for seven years, and has helped raise awareness and funds for many other causes.
In 1999, Sjostrom was elected to City Council, where she served three terms before being elected Mayor in 2008. During her time on Council, she has worked on the executives of both the North Central Local government Association and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, eventually acting as presidents in both organizations.
She has been selected by the provincial government to sit on various boards and advisory bodies, including BC Transit, the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility and many others.
Sjostrom was also: the Chair of the local Communities in Bloom committee, leading to a national first-place finish in 2007; the Host Chair of the 2000 Winter Games organizing team; and the Chair of the Quesnel Spirit of BC Committee working on the 2010 Winter Olympic activities in the community, including the Olympic Torch Relay.
In addition, she is serving as a Community Ambassador of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
The commemorative medal marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
Some 60,000 Canadians will receive it in honour of their significant contributions and achievements.