2025 Recipients of the Medal of Merit

Dr. Laurie Brinklow

A major figure in the literary life of Prince Edward Island for more than forty years, Dr. Laurie Brinklow continues to share her enthusiasm and interest in all aspects of the Island through her writings and her role at the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI.

Originally from Ontario, Dr. Brinklow first headed west, graduating from the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia Yukon Teacher Education Program, before heading east, arriving on the Island in 1983, and immediately declaring herself home.

Beginning with her work at Ragweed Press, where she became Managing Editor, and her founding of The Acorn Press in 1994, Dr. Brinklow has been an integral part of the Island’s writing community, becoming one of the founders of the PEI Literary Awards and the PEI Writers’ Guild, and diversifying publishing opportunities for Island writers and expanding  genres for published works.

Dr. Brinklow has spent over thirty years with the University of Prince Edward Island’s Institute of Island Studies, contributing to the elevation of the island’s international reputation among small islands around the world through its teaching, research, publishing, and contribution to public policy focusing on culture, environment and economy.

In addition to being appointed the Icelandic Honorary Consular Officer for Prince Edward Island, Dr. Brinklow continues her support for the Island’s writing community as a long-standing member of the publishing committee for Island Studies Press, producing both poetry and non-fiction titles about the island, by Islanders and for Islanders.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Brinklow returned to studying and obtained a Master of Arts in Island Studies, as well as a PhD in Geography and Environmental Studies, and has received recognition and awards for her teaching and her poetry.

For her continued commitment to promoting the Island’s authored excellence, and elevating the lives of those who write it, Dr. Laurie Brinklow is a most deserving recipient of the Order of Prince Edward Island.

Kirstin Lund

Kirstin Lund is known on the Island for tangibly improving the lives of others, both individually and through the many change initiatives and advocacy organizations she supports.

A Stratford resident, Kirstin practiced law before an introduction to conflict resolution and mediation changed her view on how disputes and disagreements could be resolved. Inspired, Kirstin started her own business in 1996, offering conflict resolution training and mediation, which continues to thrive today.

Kirstin founded the PEI Coalition for Women in Government in 2004, (now the PEI Coalition for Women’s Leadership), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership in the political, civic and democratic life of PEI. She also chaired the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women, which leads research and policy creation intended to raise awareness around societal, political, and legal issues and practices that contribute to women’s inequality on the Island.

Kirstin’s advocacy has not gone unnoticed. As a co-founder of Justice Options for Women, a coalition of community and governmental agencies that worked for over 20 years to eliminate violence against women in PEI, Kirstin played a key role in the creation and development of Circles of Safety and Support, a comprehensive safety planning process for those at high risk of intimate partner violence, which has been adopted in other Canadian jurisdictions. This work earned Kirstin the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2022.

Kirstin works with a small group of friends every December on an annual Stocking Angels campaign, collecting grocery, transportation and pharmacy gift cards and other gifts for women in need.

Over the years, Kirstin has championed gender inclusion in sports, creating and coordinating golf leagues and squash tournaments for women and founding Red Rock ‘n Roller Derby, PEI’s first roller derby league. Her Girly Girl Golf Classic has raised funds for critical community organizations such as the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, and The Adventure Group.

For her actions in safeguarding and empowering women, and her unflagging energy for driving change that enhances community well-being, Kirstin Lund is a most worthy recipient of the Order of Prince Edward Island.

Ian Petrie

A respected journalist for more than three decades, Ian Petrie’s ability to provide balanced and educational reporting on the agricultural and environmental issues of the Island has been influential on processes and policies at all levels.

Born in Montreal and a graduate of Bishop’s University, Ian taught for a number of years. His environmental advocacy began as a sessional lecturer at Carleton University, where he taught Environmental Studies, and began a radio show covering environmental issues on Carlton’s community radio station. A CBC Radio Ottawa job followed and, after a brief spell in Calgary, Ian arrived in Charlottetown in 1980.

Ian’s comprehensive, fact-based and people-focused reports became tv and radio staples on the Island, connecting the dots between issues and providing context for challenging issues affecting Islander’s day-to-day lives.

Neither of Ian’s passions - for educating and reporting - ended with retirement. Following his retirement from CBC in 2009, Ian returned to teaching for six years in the Broadcast Journalism Program at Holland College, instilling the need for inquisitive, informed, and balanced reporting in his students.

Following his retirement from Holland College, Ian continues writing about agriculture for Island publications, informing public and political opinion by explaining the scientific and political aspects on many issues, including those affecting exports of Island crops.

Ian’s voluntary work with the Southeast Environmental Association helped the organization grow and evolve to meet the challenges of sustainability in the Island’s rural communities, and he is a long-standing volunteer with the Belfast Community Development Corporation, the PEI Adapt Council, and the Festivals of Small Halls.

For his dedication to expanding the understanding of agricultural and rural issues through his informed, balanced reporting, and for his advocacy work on environmental issues, Ian Petrie is a worthy recipient for the Order of Prince Edward Island.