One of Burnaby's favourite sons, actor Michael J. Fox, has earned another prestigious honour.
Fox received his honorary degree from the New Westminster-based Justice Institute of British Columbia on May 31.
Fox was recognized with the degree of Doctor of Laws for his accomplishments as one of Canada's most revered performers and for his commitment to raising research funding and awareness for Parkinson's disease through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Fox was in town for his annual golf tournament, but took some time to receive his degree at the institute's graduation ceremonies.
Early in Fox's acting career, he worked at the original justice institute campus on Jericho Hill in Vancouver, where he played roles in simulations designed to prepare police recruits for the rigours and demands of their policing careers.
In his speech to graduates on Thursday, Fox recalled that when he showed up as a 17-year-old, he was given a protective sleeve to wear for a training exercise with police dogs.
At the time he had a fear of dogs, but he decided that as an actor, he would act as if he was not afraid of dogs.
"I always remember that to be a key turning point in my career and in my life," said Fox. "If you show bravery, if you show a certain amount of grit, you can get through things. And that's served me well. I know that you all have had experiences with that in your lives, and I'm just happy and proud that your grit has brought you to a place in public service, in careers in justice and public safety."
"You are a true study in character, the best kind of character," justice institute president Jack McGee said. "How you have chosen to live your life inspires us and motivates us in the way that only a few exceptional, humble and insightful individuals each generation ever get to do. Your leadership, your fortitude, your philanthropy, and your generosity of self, all tell us the story of the capacity of the individual to be a unique force for good in this world."
Also honoured was R.P. (Val) Pattee, a retired Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and Major General, who was recognized for his significant contribution to justice and public safety in the province, though leadership roles as assistant deputy minister of police services, executive director of the B.C. Ambulance Service and chair of the justice institute's board of governors.
At Thursday's ceremony, 300 graduates from the justice institute's three schools received their certificates and diplomas.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia is Canada's leading public safety educator, a range of applied and academic programs that span the spectrum of safety from prevention to response and recovery.
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