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Jan Gitlin Receives Senate 150 Medal

December 11, 2017

A century and a half ago, the Senate of Canada convened in Ottawa and sat in Parliament for the first time. This year, to commemorate the milestone, the Senate is awarding medals of recognition to people across the country.

These Senate 150th Anniversary Medals — struck by the Royal Canadian Mint earlier this year — are being given to Canadians and permanent residents who are actively involved in the community. People who, through generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work make their hometowns, communities, regions, provinces or territories a better place to live.

Mrs. Jan Gitlin is one of those people.

A community leader, social justice advocate and promoter of random acts of kindness, Mrs. Gitlin was presented the medal by Saskatoon-Grasswood MP Kevin Waugh earlier this winter at Congregation Agudas Israel.

“I am very honoured,” said Mrs. Gitlin. “At the same time, when Kevin awarded me the medal I was also very surprised.”

Formerly a senior account executive at CTV Saskatchewan, Mrs. Gitlin has been a Commissioner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission since 2011. She was also a mentor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business, has co-chaired the Saskatoon Holocaust Memorial for over 30 years, and is involved in organizing the Silver Spoon Dinner (a gala evening that raises money for Saskatoon Interval House and Ronald McDonald House.)

In 2012, Mrs. Gitlin became a founding co-partner of Think Good. Do Good. — an organization that works with schools in Saskatoon to promote positive action in our communities and around the world.

“It’s humbling to receive an award like this when you know there are so many people who give so much time and effort to our community,” said Mrs. Gitlin.

To learn more about the Senate 150th Anniversary Medals, visit https://sencanada.ca/en/newsroom/senators-start-distribution-of-senate-150th-anniversary-medals/