A distinguished Gimli resident has been recognized for decades of community service and leadership with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Janis Gudrun Johnson was presented with the commemorative medal by Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson at the Gimli International Film Festival opening reception on July 24. The ceremony was part of a broader initiative to honour Manitobans who have made significant contributions to their communities and the province.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding civic dedication, volunteerism and public service.
Johnson, who grew up in Gimli, was praised by Johnson for an “exceptional career in public service and years as a dedicated volunteer in our communities.”
Appointed to the Senate in 1990, she served for 26 years and became the longest-serving Conservative member of the Upper Chamber. During her tenure, she chaired and served on numerous Senate committees, including Foreign Affairs, Indigenous Peoples, Fisheries and Oceans, Transport and Communications, and Human Rights.
She was also one of the first women appointed to the Board of Directors of CN, where she led the creation of the first on-site childcare centre in a Canadian Crown corporation.
As the founder and current board chair of the Gimli Film Festival, Johnson helped grow the annual event into a world-renowned celebration of cinema that has welcomed thousands of visitors to Manitoba since 2001.
Beyond politics and film, she has supported numerous arts, culture and advocacy organizations. Johnson joined the board of Manitoba Special Olympics in 1981, later becoming a director with Special Olympics Canada. She has also served with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Prairie Theatre Exchange and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and was honorary chair for Women for Nature.
In recognition of her accomplishments, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba in 2018 and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2020.
“Please join me in recognizing and thanking the Honourable Janis Johnson for her passion and commitment to the Interlake region, the province of Manitoba, and to Canada,” said Johnson.
The Coronation Medal honours Canadians who have given their time, talent and spirit to building stronger communities. Both Arnason and Johnson were recognized not only for their impressive résumés but also for the deep and lasting impact they have made on the Interlake region.
