Ernie Isley honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Ernie Isley speaks to the crowd after having the medal pinned to his chest.

Ernie Isley is the recipient of a rare honour. 

MLA Scott Cyr presented The King Charles III Coronation Medal to Isley at council chambers at the Town of Bonnyville office on Thursday. 

The medal is only presented when there is a change at the throne in the British monarchy. 

“I consider this one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received,” said Isley to a packed room of family, friends, and former colleagues. 

“I’d next like to thank my wife, Sheila, for the support she’s given me over the last 66 years. She said she didn’t want me in politics, but she told me what to do. 

“I’d also like to thank many other people in this room who played a role. The things I achieved, I never achieved alone.”

As a former principal, MLA; Minister of Manpower, Public Works, Supply, and Services; Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development; and Mayor, Isley has had a decorated political career. 

To be considered for the medal, you must make a significant contribution to the country or province, region or community.

Seen as a pillar in the community with his work in education and politics, Cyr and his office selected Isley for the distinction, which will have 30,000 Canadians recognized this year.  

Earlier this year, Lakeland Credit Union added Isley to their Wall of Distinction. 

“This medal is not merely an award, it is a mark of distinction, reflecting a lifetime that was devoted to service, integrity and unity,” said Cyr. 

“As we celebrate the coronation of His Majesty, King Charles the third, we are reminded of the enduring values of perseverance and leadership that Ernie has faithfully upheld.”

Isley recounted the days of uniting the public and Catholic school systems in the 70s, getting a new hospital in Bonnyville, and the Cold Lake Marina project.

There was also the opportunity for those in attendance to say a few words about personal experiences they’ve had with Isley. 

WATCH: Full ceremony

Mayor Elisa Brosseau

“I just want to say congratulations to Ernie. Thank you to the province for recognizing all the hard work and dedication that you’ve put, not only to the Town of Bonnyville, but also to the region. When I look up on the wall, there are three pictures there that have you as a sitting Mayor. That is such a testament to the leadership that you provided to the Town, and I can only hope and dream that as a council, we will have the dedication to continue to move this town into the future like you paved that way to us.”

MLA Scott Cyr

“When it comes down to it, we need to recognize those that have really pushed forward our region’s needs and wants. And I will tell you that when it came to making the decision, Ernie clearly shown far beyond everybody else. But it was a hard decision, because we have a lot of leaders in this area.”

Reeve Barry Kalinski

“On behalf of the MD of Bonnyville, my council, all the fine people of the MD, I want to congratulate you and your wife for this accomplishment. You have been a pillar in our area, our area would not be the same one without your families.

“They are a pillar. All four families are a pillar in our area. I can’t imagine them not in our area, it wouldn’t be a great thing. I thank you for raising such great children and great families that continue. I always thought Mrs. Isley is one of the most beautiful women in the world.”

Judy Pszyk

“I was one of those at BCHS, and he says he the only reason I got the job was because he hired me. Now the only reason I kept the job was because of him,” she joked.

“I hope there are some students here that can verify that all of our staff worked very, very hard to make it something to be proud of, and I’m very proud of my years there with Ernie. I would really, really like to acknowledge Sheila, because while Ernie is doing the talking and visiting, who’s behind the scenes, doing the work, looking after the kids and making sure he had the clothes to go to all these meetings. Like they say, behind every strong man, there’s a strong woman.”

Ray Prevost

“I just like to say that my most enjoyable years on Council were from 2007 to 2013 thanks to Ernie Isley. Ernie would phone me up at home, I live just around the corner, and he’d say, ‘come over.’

“I got a few things I want to bounce off of you. I’d go over, and there was some fringe benefits. You know, alcohol was involved a little bit. We would discuss a number of things. I would tell Ernie, well, ‘did you bounce this off of anybody else?’

“I don’t know if he said this to make me feel good, he would say, ‘No, I thought if I could convince you, I can convince everybody else.’ It did make me feel good.”

Prevost highlighted the land developments and new RCMP building as major highlights to his term as mayor.