Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart was honoured with a Senate 150 Anniversary medal on Wednesday, reports Tribute, during a ceremony in Ottawa attended by the late “Sharkwater” director’s parents, Brian and Sandy Stewart, in addition to their daughter Alexandra and son-in-law Roger.
Stewart, who passed away in early February while diving in the Florida Keys, was honoured posthumously by Senator Michael McDonald, who led the charge to pass Bill S-238, which would make Canada one of the first nations in the world to support a national ban on shark fins.
The commemorative medals were struck by the Royal Canadian Mint to commemorate the first time senators sat at Parliament in Ottawa on November 6, 1867.
“Senators want to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions made by Canadians from all walks of life,” said Senator David Wells, co-chair, Advisory Working Group on the Senate 150th Anniversary Medal. “We want to give some much-deserved recognition to Canadians who share the Senate’s goal of giving voice to people or issues that sometimes fly under the radar or don’t grab headlines.”