North Vancouver Woman Pamela Horton Receives Posthumous Medal of Good Citizenship

(BRITISH COLUMBIA) Pamela Horton, a North Vancouver woman who passed away in May 2025, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship by the province of British Columbia. The announcement, made on August 4, 2025, recognized Horton’s lifelong work for disability rights and her impact on accessibility and inclusion across British Columbia and Canada.

Horton’s Advocacy and Achievements

Horton’s story stands out not only for her personal achievements but also for the broader message it sends about the value of advocacy, especially for people with disabilities. As the first executive director of Disability Alliance BC, Horton helped launch programs that made a real difference in people’s daily lives. One of her most important projects was Tax AID, a free tax filing support service designed for people with disabilities. This program helped many individuals access benefits and refunds they might have missed otherwise, making life a bit easier for those facing extra challenges.

Leadership and Community Impact

Horton’s leadership did not stop there. She was a founding member of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee, a group that worked closely with TransLink, the main public transportation provider in the region. Thanks to the committee’s efforts, TransLink introduced accessible buses with lifts, making public transit more open to everyone. The committee also played a key role in shaping the 2005 Access Transit Strategy, which set out clear goals for improving transit access for people with disabilities.

Breaking Barriers in Housing

In the late 1990s, Horton became the first person with a disability appointed to the BC Housing board. This was a major step forward, as it meant that people with lived experience of disability had a voice in decisions about housing policy and programs. Horton’s work helped ensure that housing in British Columbia would better meet the needs of people with disabilities, making communities more welcoming and supportive.

Influence on Law and Policy

Horton’s influence reached into the world of law and policy as well. She contributed to the development of the Accessible B.C. Act, a law aimed at removing barriers and promoting accessibility throughout the province. She also played a part in shaping Bill C-7, which deals with medical assistance in dying, ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities were heard in these important debates. Horton did all this while living with multiple sclerosis, a serious condition that affects the brain and central nervous system. Her determination and resilience inspired many people, both within and outside the disability community.

The Medal of Good Citizenship

The Medal of Good Citizenship is the second-highest honor that British Columbia can give to its citizens. Established in 2015, the medal recognizes people who have shown exceptional service and compassion in their communities. Over the past ten years, the province has awarded the medal 196 times. The 2025 recipients, including Horton, were announced on BC Day, August 4, with ceremonies planned for late fall 2025.

Premier’s Statement

Premier David Eby praised the honorees, saying, “These individuals have shown kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping their fellow British Columbians.” The Premier’s words reflect the spirit of the award, which aims to celebrate those who go above and beyond to make their communities better places for everyone.

Diversity Among Recipients

Other 2025 recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship come from many different backgrounds and have made contributions in areas such as Indigenous reconciliation, immigrant empowerment, environmental advocacy, health equity, and cultural preservation. This diversity shows that the province values many kinds of service and recognizes the importance of building inclusive, supportive communities.

How to Learn More

For those interested in learning more about the Medal of Good Citizenship, the official provincial website provides a full list of recipients, their stories, and information about how to nominate someone for the award. You can find these details at the official Medal of Good Citizenship page.

Lasting Impact of Pamela Horton

Pamela Horton’s recognition highlights the ongoing need for strong voices in disability advocacy. Her work with Disability Alliance BC and other organizations helped bring about real change, not just in policy but in the everyday lives of people with disabilities. Programs like Tax AID, which she helped create, continue to support people who might otherwise struggle to access important services.

Practical Improvements in Transit

Horton’s involvement in the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee led to practical improvements, such as buses with lifts, that make it easier for people with mobility challenges to get around. These changes benefit not only people with disabilities but also seniors, parents with strollers, and anyone who might find steps or narrow doors difficult. By pushing for these improvements, Horton helped make British Columbia’s communities more open and welcoming for everyone.

Representation in Housing Policy

Her appointment to the BC Housing board was another milestone. Having someone with direct experience of disability in a leadership role meant that decisions about housing could better reflect the real needs of people with disabilities. This kind of representation is important because it ensures that policies are shaped by those who understand the challenges firsthand.

Legislative Advocacy

Horton’s work on legislation like the Accessible B.C. Act and Bill C-7 shows how advocacy can lead to lasting change. Laws like these set out clear rules and goals for making society more accessible and fair. They also send a message that the province values the rights and dignity of all its residents.

The Broader Meaning of the Medal

The Medal of Good Citizenship serves as a reminder that individual actions can have a wide impact. By honoring people like Horton, British Columbia encourages others to get involved in their communities and work for positive change. The award also helps raise awareness about important issues, such as disability rights and accessibility, that affect many people but are sometimes overlooked.

Inspiration for Immigrants and Newcomers

For immigrants and newcomers to British Columbia, stories like Horton’s can be especially meaningful. They show that the province values diversity and welcomes contributions from people of all backgrounds. Many immigrants face their own challenges in adjusting to a new country, and seeing someone recognized for breaking down barriers can be inspiring.

Getting Involved

If you want to learn more about how to get involved in disability advocacy or community service in British Columbia, organizations like Disability Alliance BC offer resources and support. Whether you are interested in volunteering, joining an advisory committee, or simply learning more about accessibility, there are many ways to make a difference.

Recognition and Community Building

As reported by VisaVerge.com, recognition programs like the Medal of Good Citizenship not only honor individual achievements but also help build stronger, more inclusive communities. By shining a light on the work of people like Pamela Horton, the province encourages everyone to look for ways they can help others and improve life for all residents.

Summary

In summary, Pamela Horton’s posthumous award of the Medal of Good Citizenship reflects her lifelong commitment to making British Columbia a better place for people with disabilities. Her leadership, advocacy, and personal strength continue to inspire others to work for a more accessible and inclusive society. For more information on the award, including how to nominate someone or read about past recipients, visit the official government website. Horton’s legacy lives on in the programs she helped create, the laws she influenced, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable career.