Media Advisory - Governor General to Invest 42 Recipients into the Order of Canada and Officially Release 50th Anniversary Book

OTTAWA, Feb. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will invest 3 Companions, 11 Officers and 28 Members into the Order of Canada during a special ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 17, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.

The ceremony will also mark the official release of the book They Desire a Better Country: The Order of Canada in 50 Stories, a collection of inspiring stories celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the creation of the Order.

Throughout the year, the Order of Canada's 50^th anniversary will be celebrated through a host of special initiatives and partnerships. To join the celebration, visit OC50.gg.ca and use the hashtag #OC50.

About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of our country's highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country"). Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.

A schedule for the investiture ceremony, the list of recipients with citations, and a backgrounder on the Order of Canada are attached.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance with the
Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance
no later than 10:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

CEREMONY SCHEDULE
Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule:
	9:45 a.m.:	Media arrive at Rideau Hall
	10:30 a.m.:	Ceremony begins
		The Governor General speaks
		The Governor General presents the insignia of the Order of Canada (Companions first, then Officers, followed by Members)
	11:45 a.m.:	Interviews with recipients

RECIPIENTS
COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, P.C, C.C., O.M. This is a promotion within the Order.	Winnipeg, Man.
Atom Egoyan, C.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	Toronto, Ont.
The Honourable Morris Jacob Fish, C.C., Q.C.	Montréal, Que.

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
Kenneth Armson, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
John Bandler, O.C.	Dundas, Ont.
Gregory Charles, O.C.	Westmount, Que.
Julie Dickson, O.C.	Ottawa, Ont.
Nathalie Lambert, O.C.	Anjou, Que.
Andres Lozano, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Sophie May Pierre, O.C., O.C.B.	Cranbrook, B.C.
Thomas Quinn, O.C.	Beaconsfield, Que.
Noralou Roos, O.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	Winnipeg, Man.
The Honourable Richard J. Scott, O.C., O.M.	Winnipeg, Man.
Tsun-Kong Sham, O.C.	London, Ont.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
Salah John Bachir, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Isabel Bassett C.M., O.Ont.	Toronto, Ont.
Gerald Batist, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Gregory S. Belton, C.M., C.V.O.	Toronto, Ont.
David Bissett, C.M., A.O.E.	Calgary, Alta.
Timothy Borlase, C.M., O.N.L.	Pointe-du-Chêne, N.B. and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.
Barbara Byers, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Linda Cardinal, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Antoni Cimolino, C.M.	Stratford, Ont.
Zita Cobb, C.M.	Joe Batt's Arm, N.L. and Ottawa, Ont.
L. Mark Cullen, C.M.	Stouffville, Ont.
Yvon Ethier, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Gerald Richard Fagan, C.M., O.Ont.	London, Ont.
James Bruce Falls, C.M.	Don Mills, Ont.
Linda Marie Fedigan, C.M.	Calgary, Alta.
Benoît Huot, C.M.	Longueuil, Que.
Hassan Khosrowshahi, C.M., O.B.C.	Vancouver, B.C.
Bruce MacKinnon, C.M. O.N.S.	Halifax, N.S.
Harriet MacMillan, C.M.	Hamilton, Ont.
Audrey O'Brien, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Benoît Pelletier, C.M., O.Q.	Ottawa, Ont.
Louise Penny, C.M.	Sutton, Que.
Andrew M. Pringle, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Morris Rosenberg, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Richard Tremblay, C.M., C.Q.	Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.
The Honourable Geraldine Van Bibber, C.M.	Whitehorse, Y.T.
James G. Wright, C.M.	Toronto, Ont. and Oxford, U.K.
Glenda Yeates, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.

 

RECIPIENTS' CITATIONS

COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, P.C., C.C., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Lloyd Axworthy is a statesman with a passion for social justice and higher education. Following his celebrated public service career, he continued to engage with international organizations, namely by leading peace support, electoral observation and poverty reduction projects. Concurrently, he served for a decade as president of the University of Winnipeg, where he expanded the university's Indigenous studies program and worked to increase access to education for Aboriginals and newcomers to Canada. He remains a trusted voice whose call for global citizenship is heard in Canada and abroad.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Atom Egoyan, C.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Atom Egoyan is committed to the development of homegrown talent and a vibrant cultural industry. One of our cultural treasures, he has built an international reputation as a filmmaker while remaining firmly rooted in Canada. His outstanding body of work often focuses on the themes of community, isolation and the role of technology in our lives. Generous with his time and talent, he serves as a mentor and teacher, and as an active member of cultural boards and film festival juries. He is also a talented visual artist and director of both theatre and opera.

This is a promotion within the Order.

The Honourable Morris Jacob Fish, C.C., Q.C.
Montréal, Quebec

One of Canada's most gifted legal writers, Morris Fish is a passionate defender of the rights and freedoms of Canadians. A former journalist, adjunct professor of law at McGill University, and leading criminal lawyer in Quebec, he served as counsel for the Law Reform Commission and for the Security Intelligence Review Committee before his appointment to the Quebec Court of Appeal. During his tenure, he sat on some of the province's most high-profile cases, and was renowned for his erudition and inventiveness. His prominence in criminal law then led to his elevation to the Supreme Court where his protection of the rights of the accused made an important impact on Canadian jurisprudence.

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Kenneth Armson, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Kenneth Armson has made transformative contributions to logging and to forest regeneration. A long-time professor at the University of Toronto, he was the provincial forester of Ontario and the author of a landmark report that served as the blueprint for how to counteract the detrimental effects of clear-cutting. In addition, his knowledge of soil conditions radically improved seedling production and survival, greatly facilitating the replanting of our forests for future generations. He is an advisor to government and industry worldwide, as well as an ambassador for sustainable forestry practices.

John Bandler, O.C.
Dundas, Ontario

John Bandler has helped to put Canada at the forefront of microwave technology. Professor emeritus at McMaster University, he has revolutionized the engineering and computer-assisted design of microwave circuitry. His development and practical application of space mapping and optimization theories have led to profound reductions in the development costs of a vast array of electronic systems. He has been a mentor to numerous highly successful students and a strong advocate for the inclusion of more women in the field of engineering.

Gregory Charles, O.C.
Westmount, Quebec

An accomplished musician and born communicator, Gregory Charles enchants his audience with his boundless creativity and energy. Whether on stage, in studio or over the airwaves, his talent reverberates across the country. His most recent music competition project, "Virtuose", further illustrates his influence as an educator of young and old alike. Unassumingly, he gives generously of himself and his time to the performing arts and culture. An award-winning recording artist and showman, he holds all music lovers spellbound.

Julie Dickson, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Julie Dickson has contributed to a resilient financial system in Canada and to economic stability worldwide. As a senior official in the Department of Finance, she played a key role in developing the legislative framework for financial institution reform. She then served as superintendent of Financial Institutions, where her thoughtful stewardship helped guide Canada through the global economic crisis. She has garnered national pride for her effective leadership in the development of international regulatory standards and has been appointed to Europe's new supervisory body overseeing the financial stability of banks.

Nathalie Lambert, O.C.
Anjou, Quebec

Quadruple Olympic medalist, three-time world champion and world speed skating record holder, Nathalie Lambert is an internationally renowned athlete. Today, she devotes her time to athletics as a respected mentor and spokesperson. Team Canada's chef de mission during the Vancouver Olympic Games, she has over 20 years of experience in communications and the media, largely related to sports, fitness and health. She inspires dedication and determination in up-and-coming athletes and all sports enthusiasts.

Andres Lozano, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Thanks to Andres Lozano, the treatment landscape for movement disorders has dramatically changed for the better. A professor and chair of neurological surgery at the University of Toronto, he is a pioneer in treating Parkinson's disease, dystonia, essential tremor and a range of other conditions with the help of thin metal electrodes surgically implanted in the brain. As a result of his decades of careful research, this procedure, known as deep brain stimulation, has become a standard of care in neurology, improving mobility and quality of life for patients around the world.

Sophie May Pierre, O.C., O.B.C.
Cranbrook, British Columbia

Sophie Pierre is a highly respected Indigenous leader who has blazed a trail for a generation of women in British Columbia. As long-time chief of the St. Mary's Band Council, co-chair of the First Nations Summit, and chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission, she has championed the economic and political integration of Indigenous communities as a means to self-determination. Notable among her achievements is an innovative collaboration between Indigenous groups that redeveloped a residential school on her reserve into a destination resort, transforming an infamous relic of the past into a symbol of future prosperity.

Thomas Quinn, O.C.
Beaconsfield, Quebec

A seasoned business leader, Tom Quinn has helmed one of the largest groups of sporting goods and clothing retailers in Canada. Through his leadership and beliefs, he has put industry profits to work by giving generously to amateur sports and activities that promote participation and education around physical fitness, health and wellness across Canada. A volunteer, coach and administrator, notably at the head of the Canada Games and Special Olympics, he is extensively involved with various charities and associations.

Noralou Roos, O.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Noralou Roos is a champion of evidence-based research in the development of health care policy. As professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba, she has spearheaded such programs as the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network and leads the web-based EvidenceNetwork.ca, which communicates research evidence through traditional and social media. More recently, she has been working with physicians to recognize and treat the effects of poverty on patients, and to improve access to health care for low-income Canadians.

This is a promotion within the Order.

The Honourable Richard J. Scott, O.C., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Richard Scott has made a profound mark on the delivery of justice in Canada and in his province. Manitoba's longest-serving chief justice, he never forgot his early days, when he worked as a director for Legal Aid Manitoba. Notably, he led the implementation of written conduct principles for judges at the Canadian Judicial Council. He has also made a difference in the broader community, lending his talents to such causes as the Winnipeg Foundation, Winnipeg Harvest and the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Tsun-Kong Sham, O.C.
London, Ontario

One of our foremost materials chemists, T. K. Sham has helped build an optimal environment for Canadian scientists to conduct advanced research. A Canada Research Chair and professor at Western University, he has used focused beams of light known as synchrotron radiation to analyze the microstructure and properties of materials, which has generated advances in nanotechnology and X-ray technology. He is further renowned for his leadership in developing the Canadian Light Source, a state-of-the-art research facility in Saskatchewan, and for fostering collaboration between researchers in Canada and China.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Salah John Bachir, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Salah Bachir is a charismatic entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his commitment to a variety of causes. President of Cineplex Media, he has channelled his signature drive and ingenuity into social activism. Affectionately named "Gala Salah", he has spearheaded numerous fundraising initiatives in support of the arts, social justice and health care, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, The 519 community centre in Toronto, and St. Joseph's Health Centre. He also generously shares his extensive art collection with museums and galleries in his area.

Isabel Bassett, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Isabel Bassett has been a driving force of positive social change. She brought important social and political issues to the forefront, first as a journalist and award-winning documentary producer, and then as a minister in the Ontario legislature. Later, as head of TVOntario, she achieved sustained public funding for the broadcaster and refocused the network on its educational roots. In all her varied pursuits, she has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace, creating opportunities for women and visible minorities alike.

Gerald Batist, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Gerald Batist is a visionary clinician and scientist who leads Canada in the field of personalized cancer treatment. Occupying leadership positions at McGill University and the Segal Cancer Centre of the Jewish General Hospital, he is recognized for improving patient care by accelerating the translation of research into clinical practice. His research focuses on drug resistance and on developing therapies that target individual patients' cancers, thereby increasing treatment response and survival rates. Instrumental in the creation of large-scale collaborative research networks, he has established invaluable tools for cancer researchers in Quebec and across Canada.

Gregory S. Belton, C.M., C.V.O.
Toronto, Ontario

While building and leading a successful investment brokerage, Gregory Belton has also given back to his community as a respected philanthropist in the fields of social services, health care and the arts. Generous with his time and expertise, he has contributed his considerable corporate and entrepreneurial acumen to support community activities, particularly those directed towards youth development. Notably, he has held national and international leadership positions with the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which promotes civic-mindedness and personal integrity in youth.

David Bissett, C.M., A.O.E.
Calgary, Alberta

David Bissett has raised the bar for business and philanthropic leadership in Alberta. More than 30 years ago, this investment manager played a key role in building Calgary into an important regional finance and investment centre. He has shared his success with the broader community by generously supporting many initiatives, including land conservation and management projects, business education at Mount Royal University, and grassroots community programming for people at risk. He is renowned for challenging his fellow philanthropists to strengthen the fabric of the community by embracing strategic giving.

Timothy Borlase, C.M., O.N.L.
Pointe-du-Chêne, New Brunswick and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador

For more than four decades, Tim Borlase has championed youth participation in arts and culture. Throughout his career with the Labrador School Board, he developed arts education programming that had students expressing themselves by sharing their stories through music, drama and dance. He co-founded the Labrador Creative Arts Festival, which uses art to promote self-empowerment, particularly among Indigenous youth. After retiring to Moncton, he became the director of the Capitol School of Performing Arts, which he developed into a bilingual drama school for people of all ages.

Barbara Byers, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Barbara Byers is devoted to making a difference in the lives of Canadian workers. As a social worker in Saskatchewan, she rose through the ranks of the province's labour movement to lead the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour. With the latter, she founded initiatives to connect youth with the labour movement and to strengthen the leadership skills of union women, notably through the Prairie School for Women. She later served on the governing body of the International Labour Organization and continues to bring meaningful change as secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Linda Cardinal, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Linda Cardinal is one of our leading political scientists. Full professor at the University of Ottawa's School of Political Studies, she focuses her research on the international understanding of issues associated with Francophone minorities. She leads important discussions on identity and citizenship, thereby contributing to the development of public policies related to the preservation and growth of linguistic diversity. Dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, she is actively involved in her community and promotes progress in achieving equality between Canada's two official languages.

Antoni Cimolino, C.M.
Stratford, Ontario

Actor, director and administrator Antoni Cimolino has contributed to the prominence of the Stratford Festival for more than 25 years. As artistic director, he has assured the festival's financial stability and bolstered its reputation by introducing innovative projects like the Stratford Festival Laboratory, which allows artists to experiment with new techniques and approaches to the classics. In addition, he was instrumental in launching Culture Days and in helping communities discover the artists flourishing in their midst.

Zita Cobb, C.M.
Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa, Ontario

Zita Cobb is bringing a bold and empowering new approach to rural development. Following a brilliant career in the high-tech sector, she returned home to Fogo Island to co-found and head the Shorefast Foundation. In this role, she has established various social enterprise initiatives, including the Fogo Island Inn and the Fogo Island Arts contemporary artist-in-residency program, which have helped to create a sustainable economic future and preserve the region's singular culture. Her vision for place-based economic and social development provides an example for other rural communities seeking renewal.

L. Mark Cullen, C.M.
Stouffville, Ontario

Mark Cullen is Canada's most beloved gardener. Through his television appearances, radio programs, newspapers columns and books, he has helped and encouraged countless gardeners and farmers grow sustainable, healthy produce. He is also highly respected for his environmental advocacy, and actively participates in developing horticultural and educational programs across the country. Notably, he is the founding chair of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, a non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees along the Highway of Heroes—one tree for every Canadian military member lost during times of war.

Yvon Ethier, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Yvon Ethier, better known by his stage name Patrick Norman, has had a very successful music career and has been topping the charts for over 45 years. A renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter, he has made a profound contribution to country music. He has produced 30 albums, received numerous awards and honours and is adored by his loyal fans. His television program "Pour l'amour du country" has been bringing musicians and music lovers together each week for 14 seasons. With boundless generosity, he lends his voice, energy and time to numerous charitable causes.

Gerald Richard Fagan, C.M., O.Ont.
London, Ontario

Gerald Fagan is an inspiration to choral musicians across Canada. Founding conductor of Toronto's Mendelssohn Youth Choir and long-time conductor of the Gerald Fagan Singers, Chorus London and the Concert Players, he instilled a love of music in young people. At home and abroad, his choirs have earned acclaim and introduced audiences to the works of Canadian composers. Sought after as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician, he has been instrumental in the development of young artists, many of whom have become professional musicians.

James Bruce Falls, C.M.
Don Mills Ontario

Bruce Falls was a pioneer in ornithology and a leader in nature conservation. A professor at the University of Toronto, he conducted more than 35 years of groundbreaking field studies of birds and small mammal populations in Algonquin Park. Notably, he developed a sound playback technique for studying birdsong that continues to be widely used in studies of bird and animal communication. In addition, he was instrumental in founding the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Bird Studies Canada. His lifelong efforts have helped protect species and habitats across the country.

Linda Marie Fedigan, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

Linda Marie Fedigan has made enduring contributions to the study of primates, some of our closest evolutionary relatives. Canada Research Chair in Primatology and Bioanthropology at the University of Calgary, she established a world-class research station in Costa Rica's Àrea de Conservación Guanacaste. Known for her field work, she has conducted groundbreaking long-term studies of the life history and reproductive patterns of female monkeys, which have increased our understanding of how primates adapt to their environments. An exemplary mentor, she is also known for her academic study of the role of women in science.

Benoît Huot, C.M.
Longueuil, Quebec

Benoît Huot is one of our most recognized and decorated Paralympic athletes. He began swimming at the age of 8, later moving into professional competitions that propelled him to five Paralympic Games, where he earned 20 medals—9 of them gold. Through his community involvement with youth, his efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and his support for athletes with a disability, he inspires all Canadians beyond the bronze, silver and gold.

Hassan Khosrowshahi, C.M., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Hassan Khosrowshahi is a leading contributor to economic and social prosperity in Canada. The founder of enterprises in retail, real estate, health care, private equity and entertainment, he is respected for his contributions to business as well as to the community. His philanthropy has supported organizations in education, health care and music, and his involvement with the Business Council of Canada, the Fraser Institute and the Business Council of British Columbia are hallmarks of his commitment to public policy and to strengthening Canada's economic and social fabric.

Bruce MacKinnon, C.M., O.N.S.
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Fearless, thoughtful and provocative, Bruce MacKinnon is one of Canada's most talented and respected editorial cartoonists. Since 1985, he has worked for the Halifax Chronicle-Herald and his cartoons have helped Nova Scotians and Canadians understand the essence of the events that make up our public life. His award-winning catalogue comprises cartoons that make us think, laugh and cry. His poignant drawing of the National War Memorial following the death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo in October 2014 deeply affected Canadians and people around the world.

Harriet MacMillan, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario

Harriet MacMillan is a leader in health research in the areas of family violence and child abuse. She is a professor of psychiatry, behavioural neurosciences and pediatrics at McMaster University, and a principal investigator of PreVAiL, an international network dedicated to studying and combatting all forms of family violence. Her work has resulted in reliable measures of prevalence, supported the use of early interventions, and highlighted the lasting effects of abuse. An active clinician, she founded a unique, hospital-based program for children exposed to violence, and works tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable Canadians.

Audrey O'Brien, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Audrey O'Brien has helped to strengthen Canada's democratic institutions. The first woman to serve as clerk of the House of Commons, she has been a key resource in the areas of parliamentary rules, precedents and practices, and has facilitated the decision-making process through her sound knowledge and guidance. She has also been an active contributor outside of Canada, sharing her vast experience on parliamentary procedure as a member of the Society of Clerks at the Table in Commonwealth Parliaments and as secretary to the Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers.

Benoît Pelletier, C.M., O.Q.
Ottawa, Ontario

Benoît Pelletier is deeply committed to this country. Currently a full professor in the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law, he was also engaged in provincial politics, leaving an indelible mark in part as one of the architects of the Council of the Federation. He is known for having forged numerous connections between governments and ensuring greater interprovincial-territorial co-operation. A skilled negotiator, he represents the government in matters related to Aboriginal governance and health. Moreover, he is a strong supporter and champion of the Francophonie.

Louise Penny, C.M.
Sutton, Quebec

Louise Penny has captured the imaginations of readers in Canada and around the world. Following an 18-year career as a journalist and host with the CBC, she turned to her passion of writing. Her bestselling mysteries, set in Quebec's Eastern Townships, have garnered international acclaim and have given readers a sense of this region's unique culture. A generous mentor, she fosters the development of her fellow writers and established the Unhanged Arthur Award for Best Unpublished First Novel, a contest for emerging authors.

Andrew M. Pringle, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Andrew Pringle is a dedicated community builder. Using his considerable business acumen gained from a successful career in the financial sector, he has worked tirelessly to increase access to sustainable funding for a wide variety of charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the Toronto area. He has served in leadership positions for such prominent organizations as the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and the Toronto Police Services Board. He continues to serve as a model of generosity and civic-mindedness in his community.

Morris Rosenberg, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Morris Rosenberg was the epitome of an effective and ethical public servant, highly regarded for "speaking truth to power". A long-serving federal deputy minister with the departments of Justice, Health, and Foreign Affairs, he tackled a broad range of national and international issues at transformative moments in history. He oversaw antiterrorism legislation in the aftermath of 9/11, coordinated the federal response to the H1N1 crisis, and led Foreign Affairs through a period of global upheaval. He continues to engage with public issues as head of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

Richard Tremblay, C.M., C.Q.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

Champion of justice and health, Richard Tremblay has been serving his community for 40 years. A retired Sûreté du Québec officer, he established various organizations and programs to prevent alcoholism, suicide, bullying and domestic violence throughout his career. Of note, he founded the Canadian Organ Donors Association, which transports organs and specialized medical teams to hospitals throughout Quebec and pays tribute to donors each year.

The Honourable Geraldine Van Bibber, C.M.
Whitehorse, Yukon

Geraldine Van Bibber has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving the lives of Yukoners. A member of the Gwich'in First Nation, she played an important role in making the territory a travel-destination by coordinating its tourism industry and broadening awareness of its unique Indigenous cultures. Her community involvement has encompassed diverse initiatives, including the Yukoners' Cancer Care Fund, the Yukon Advisory Council on Women's Issues, and the Gathering of Traditions Potlatch Society. She also served as Yukon's commissioner, and is a key supporter of Yukon College where she serves as chancellor.

James G. Wright, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario and Oxford, United Kingdom

A visionary leader in pediatric orthopedic surgery, James Wright has transformed his field. Through his influential research, he has developed safer surgical procedures that have dramatically reduced errors and complications in young patients. As a result of his leadership and focus on quality, SickKids has become a national centre for pediatric orthopedic surgery and research. Driven by a desire to improve access to care for children, he also led an important national initiative that resulted in significantly shorter surgical wait times in Canada.

Glenda Yeates, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

As a provincial and federal public servant, Glenda Yeates has played a key role in reforming health care. While at the helm of Saskatchewan's health ministry she instituted widely emulated care models, including the Health Quality Council. Under her guidance, the Canadian Institute for Health Information expanded its ability to provide national health data in support of evidence-based patient care and to improve performance at health institutions. Most recently, as Canada's deputy minister of Health, she played a lead role in consensus building on various issues, including the establishment of the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia.

ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.

Motto and Levels

The Order of Canada's motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country"). Her Majesty The Queen is the Sovereign of the Order, and the governor general is the chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Companion – Post-nominal: C.C.
recognizes national pre-eminence or international service or achievement;

Officer – Post-nominal: O.C.
recognizes national service or achievement; and

Member – Post-nominal: C.M.
recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity.

Insignia Description

The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country), surmounted by the Royal Crown. It is struck in fine silver and is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, annulus and maple leaf. The colour is added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent viscous enamel.

The design of the insignia of the Order of Canada dates from 1967, and is credited to Bruce Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D. The technical drawings used by the Royal Canadian Mint in this new generation of the insignia were developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority at the Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The insignia is manufactured by the Mint at its Ottawa facility.

Eligibility

All Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges while in office. The Order's constitution permits non-Canadians to be considered for honorary appointments. Members of the Royal Family, governors general and their spouses are appointed in the extraordinary category. There are no posthumous appointments.

Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievement, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada. Usually, promotions are considered five years after the first appointment.

Nominations

Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the Order of Canada. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.

For more information about the Order of Canada or to nominate someone,
visit our website at www.gg.ca/honours.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, 613-852-3248 (cell), [email protected]