Vic Toews, Member of Parliament for Provencher expressed congratulations to Pazia Toyne of Lorette, Manitoba who has been recognized with the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery. The award was presented to Pazia by Governor General David Thompson during a ceremony earlier today at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
On December 11, 2007, then 10-year-old Pazia Toyne risked her life to rescue a five-year-old girl who had fallen through the ice in High River, Alberta. Pazia, along with several other children, had been walking home from school on the ice when one of the girls got too close to a hole. The ice broke and the girl fell through. With no concern for her own safety, Pazia slid on her stomach to reach the victim. The water was up to the girl’s neck and she was clinging to a piece of ice. Pazia’s rescue attempts resulted in her also falling into the water, but with much effort she managed to get back onto thicker ice and drag the other child to safety.
“Miss Toyne’s actions as a 10-year-old child exemplify the qualities that most people strive for as adults; bravery, commitment and strength of spirit,” said Toews. “Pazia’s selfless action and willingness to risk her life to save another child make her incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
The Bravery Decorations were created in 1972 to recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. The Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
