Good afternoon.
Today, we gather not only to present an award but to acknowledge the unwavering courage and dedication of Detective Helen Grus.
In moments of uncertainty and challenge, it is vital to recognize that heroes come in many forms … sometimes quietly, sometimes facing adversity head-on, but always guided by an unfaltering commitment to truth and service.
Recognizing Outstanding Service
Detective Grus’s work in criminal investigations has been marked by diligence, perseverance, and a profound sense of responsibility.
Her efforts to uncover the facts surrounding a case … no matter how complex … or sensitive … reflects the highest ideals of law enforcement.
In a time of heightened public concern, her pursuit of the truth demonstrates the importance of asking difficult questions and seeking transparency for the sake of justice and the safety of our community.
Integrity in the Face of Adversity
True heroism is not only measured by results, but by the integrity displayed during the process.
Detective Grus has shown resilience and fortitude, even as she faces challenges and scrutiny.
Standing for what is right and upholding the values of honesty and accountability … demand extraordinary strength.
It’s easy to follow the crowd … but it takes real courage to follow one’s conscience, … especially when doing so comes at personal cost.
Heroes Come in Many Forms
We often think of heroes who rush into danger … perform grand gestures.
However, heroism can also be found in moral conviction … in the quiet determination to serve others … in the steadfast pursuit of justice.
Detective Grus embodies this spirit … her commitment reminds us … that courage is not always loud … but always essential.
As we present this award … let us reflect on what it truly means to be a hero.
The story of Detective Grus is a powerful testament that heroes are not defined by circumstance … but by character.
Today, we honour her unwavering dedication and thank her for expressing the values that make our community stronger … safer … and more just.
Companion Introduction
As we honour Detective Grus today … we also honour a tradition that is timeless … the tradition of standing firm in the pursuit of truth … justice … and the rights of every human being.
The Terrance James Green Award was created to recognize … those … who through courage and conviction … have given of themselves in service to Canadians.
It is not lightly bestowed.
It is reserved for those who embody leadership … integrity … and the willingness to challenge power … when the truth demands it.
Throughout history, we have seen individuals who refused to remain silent in the face of uncertainty or injustice.
They … are the ones who remind us that the rule of law … our Constitution, and the unalienable rights of every human being … are not abstract ideals … but living principles that must be defended.
Detective Grus has demonstrated determination in her search for answers … her commitment to the people she serves … and her willingness to bear personal cost in the pursuit of truth.
The lineage of women who stood against tyranny
History remembers the women who stood when others faltered … who bore ridicule … hardship … even death … in the struggle against tyranny and corrupt government.
Joan of Arc, a peasant girl, led armies and gave her life for the cause of France.
Rosa Parks, a Black woman, who on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery Alabama refused to sit at the back of the bus and in doing so … created a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Canadian women’s suffrage movement allowing women to vote began in 1876, when Dr. Emily Stowe came to Toronto to practise medicine. The only women Doctor in Canada at that time.
In 1918, women could vote in Federal elections.
In 1929, the Privy Council ruled that women were “persons” and could be appointed to the Senate.
By 1960, everyone women in Canada could vote in Federal, Provincial and Municipal elections.
It took 84 years of struggle, perseverance, hardships, public humiliation and criticism to win the right to vote … Nothing stopped them.
At the end of the day, they became legends … warriors who fought through adversity.
Some of these warriors were known in Canada as the Famous Five:
Emily Murphy … Nellie McClung … Louise McKinney … Irene Parlby and Henrietta Edwards.
Today … they stand out in Canadian history … as those who lead the way.
These women … separated by time and distance, shared one unbroken thread:
… the courage to confront power … when justice demanded it.
Today … we recognize Detective Helen Grus who takes her place in the historical record of warrior women.
She has endured scorn and opposition … yet remained steadfast in her pursuit of truth.
She has stood not for herself alone … but for the people she serves … for the principles of justice … for the rights endowed to every citizen.
Presentation
In honouring her … we affirm the spirit of resistance to tyranny and the defence of the people … is not confined to history books … it lives today, in our time, in our land … in her.
We recognize:
Steadfast courage … unyielding determination … pursuit of truth and justice.
Commitment to questioning authority … defending constitutional principles.
Seeking answers for the people of Canada … holding the highest traditions of service … leadership … and integrity.
Her actions stand in the history of those who have risked much to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the people.
This award affirms her place among those who have given of themselves in the cause of truth and justice.
May this award not only honour her courage … but to inspire each of us … to stand steadfast for truth … defend justice … and carry forward the enduring spirit of those who give everything … in service to the people.
For these reasons, and in recognition of her service to the cause of justice, it is my privilege to present to Detective Helen Grus … the Terrance James Green Award.