Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy was among the recipients as Prime Minister Stephen Harper handed out Diamond Jubilee medals in Calgary today.
   
Kennedy has become an outspoken champion for the rights of sexual abuse victims since coming forward in the 1990s about his own abuse by former junior hockey coach Graham James.
    
Harper handed out 180 of the medals, which were created in honour of the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne this year.
    
He praised the recipients for going above and beyond to serve their communities.
    
The prime minister said it takes courage and personal sacrifice to perform tasks that are often considered thankless.

“It is a great pleasure to pay tribute today to Albertans who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities,” said the Prime Minister. “These medals, which commemorate the extraordinary service of Her Majesty The Qqeen to Canada, are a fitting tribute to those who have given so much of themselves to this province.”