OTTAWA, Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will preside over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. The Governor General, who is chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, will bestow the honour on 1 Companion, 13 Officers and 29 Members.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada's centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
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.
Media information
Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-9166
[email protected]
Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.
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 (Companion first, then Officers, followed by Members) |
|
| 11:45 a.m.: |
Interviews with recipients |
RECIPIENTS
COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
| Barbara Sherwood Lollar, C.C. |
Toronto, Ont. |
OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
| Kenneth Armson, O.C. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Sandra Black, O.C., O.Ont. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Marcel Boyer, O.C. |
Montréal, Que. |
| Stephen Cook, O.C., O.Ont. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Kenneth Denton Craig, O.C. |
Vancouver, B.C. |
| Jacques Godbout, O.C., C.Q. |
Montréal, Que. |
| Robert Arthur Gordon, O.C., O.Ont. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Roberta L. Jamieson, O.C. This is a promotion within the Order. |
Ohsweken, Ont. |
| The Honourable Dennis R. O'Connor, O.C. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Abraham Anghik Ruben, O.C. |
Salt Spring Island, B.C. |
| Dorothy Shaw, O.C. |
Vancouver, B.C. |
| Mary Anne White, O.C. |
Halifax, N.S. |
| The Honourable Warren Winkler, O.C., O.Ont. |
Toronto, Ont. |
MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
| Joseph Georges Arsenault, C.M., O.P.E.I. |
Charlottetown, P.E.I. |
| Geoffrey Battersby, C.M. |
Revelstoke, B.C. |
| Johanne Berry, C.M. |
Montréal, Que. |
| Joseph Boyden, C.M. |
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. & Ahmic Harbour, Ont. |
| Phyllis Bruce, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Michael Budman, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| The Honourable Catherine Callbeck, C.M. |
Central Bedeque, P.E.I. |
| Jack L. Cockwell, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Patricia Cranton, C.M. (deceased) |
Lakeville Corner, N.B. |
| The Honourable Joseph Z. Daigle, C.M. |
Dieppe, N.B. |
| Madeleine Delaney-LeBlanc, C.M. |
Shediac, N.B. |
| Neason Akiva Michael Eskin, C.M. |
Winnipeg, Man. |
| Marie Esther Fortier, C.M. |
Ottawa, Ont. |
| Don Green, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Paul John Perry Guloien, C.M. |
Edmonton, Alta. |
| Barbara Hall, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Paul James Hill, C.M. |
Regina, Sask. |
| Jack Mintz, C.M. |
Calgary, Alta. |
| Rohinton Mistry, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Terrence Montague, C.M., C.D. |
Edmonton, Alta. |
| John Mulvihill, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Sandra Paikowsky, C.M. |
Montréal, Que. |
| John Palmer, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Dani Reiss, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Cathy Roozen, C.M., A.O.E. |
Edmonton, Alta. |
| Fiona Amaryllis Sampson, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Noreen Taylor, C.M. |
Toronto, Ont. |
| Louis Vachon, C.M. |
Montréal, Que. |
| Richard Weber, C.M., M.S.M. |
Alcove, Que. |
RECIPIENTS' CITATIONS
COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
Barbara Sherwood Lollar, C.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Geochemist Barbara Sherwood Lollar has earned global renown for her contributions to environmental preservation and to our understanding of life underground. A Canada Research Chair and professor in earth sciences at the University of Toronto, she pioneered the use of stable isotopes to pinpoint sources of contamination in our groundwater resources, a breakthrough that is helping practitioners remediate polluted areas. While conducting field research in South Africa and Canada, she discovered and analyzed environments conducive to life deep within the Earth's crust, a finding that has implications for the search for life on other planets.
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.
Sandra Black, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
Sandra Black has made internationally recognized connections between Alzheimer's disease, stroke and dementia. She is the director of the Brain Sciences Research Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a professor at the University of Toronto and a practicing physician. She has developed new imaging techniques to better diagnose the early stages of cognitive impairment and has shown that even small strokes that go unnoticed by individuals cumulatively lead to cognitive decline and dementia. Her findings are being widely used by physicians to help in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
Marcel Boyer, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec
One of our top economists, Marcel Boyer has helped shape public policy in Canada. Professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Economics at the Université de Montréal, he has conducted award-winning research that has influenced policy in such areas as legal liability, the regulation of advertising, and copyright. An exceptional builder and unifier, he has also played a pivotal role in creating collaborative research centres, such as CIRANO. Under his leadership, this organization has become an international benchmark for interdisciplinary knowledge transfer between academia and community.
Stephen Cook, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
Stephen Cook has made legendary contributions at the intersection of mathematics and computer science. A professor at the University of Toronto since 1970, he has advanced complexity theory by identifying the types of problems that computers can and cannot solve efficiently. This is regarded as one of the fundamental principles of computer science and is applied daily in countless ways, from scheduling airline routes to building encryption algorithms for internet security. A dedicated mentor, he has advised numerous students who have gone on to prominent academic careers.
Kenneth Denton Craig, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Kenneth Craig has transformed our understanding of pain. Professor emeritus of psychology at the University of British Columbia, he has developed a reliable means of confirming the existence of pain in patients who have difficulty communicating, notably infants, young children and those with cognitive impairment. His groundbreaking research in this area led to a new paradigm for the assessment of pain, as well as innovative treatments and improved care for the world's most vulnerable patients.
Jacques Godbout, O.C., C.Q.
Montréal, Quebec
A socially engaged intellectual, Jacques Godbout is a writer and filmmaker. Over the course of six decades, he has created over 50 literary and cinematic works, including several that have garnered prestigious awards domestically and internationally. He was the founding president of the Union des écrivains québécois and currently chairs the Éditions du Boréal board. As a collaborator with Radio-Canada and member of the National Film Board of Canada, he has also had a hand in some of the major social and political shifts in our country's history. The work of this tireless man has left an indelible mark on several generations.
Robert Arthur Gordon, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
For decades, Robert "Squee" Gordon has been a driving force in post-secondary education. As the president of Humber College, he spearheaded the creation of innovative programs that combined theoretical and experiential learning to improve student employment outcomes. Under his leadership, Humber experienced rapid growth and became a model institution known for its links with the broader community and its partnerships with the university sector. A national authority on leadership and administration, he strengthened the national network of community colleges by chairing many boards and associations, including the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and the Committee of Presidents of Colleges Ontario.
Roberta L. Jamieson, O.C.
Ohsweken, Ontario
Roberta Jamieson has devoted her life to advancing the goals and aspirations of Indigenous peoples across Canada. She is a lawyer, mentor, expert in non-adversarial conflict resolution, former elected chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and president and CEO of Indspire. In the latter role, she has transformed this Indigenous-led charity, positioning its focus on education for Indigenous youth and working tirelessly to attract public and private sector funding for scholarships and bursaries. This has resulted in exceptional graduation results, creating a brighter future for new generations of young people.
This is a promotion within the Order.
The Honourable Dennis R. O'Connor, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Dennis O'Connor is one of Canada's most highly respected judges. Known for his fairness and compassion, he was a litigator, professor and Yukon magistrate before his appointment to the Ontario Court of Appeal. During his tenure as associate chief justice of Ontario, he was seconded to lead the Walkerton and Arar inquiries. In the highly contentious atmosphere of their proceedings, he maintained the respect of all sides. His conduct and recommendations were widely praised and have served as a model for future commissions.
Abraham Anghik Ruben, O.C.
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Abraham Ruben is one of Canada's best-known and innovative Inuvialuit artists. Gifted at translating storytelling into sculpture, he uses non-traditional materials and tools to create compelling stone and bronze pieces that reflect the stories, myths and legends of northern cultures. He has exhibited in Canada and internationally, notably as the first Inuit artist to have a solo exhibition at the Smithsonian. Through his pioneering work and teachings, he has inspired the next generation of Inuit artists and showcased our northern heritage to the world
Dorothy Shaw, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Dorothy Shaw is devoted to improving the health of women and children. Vice-president of the BC Women's Hospital and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of British Columbia, she is known as a collaborator, mentor and leader in reproductive health and rights. As such, she served as president of national and international bodies in her field and as inaugural chair of the Canadian Network for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She is also a respected voice in the global effort to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and to improve access to health care for women.
Mary Anne White, O.C.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mary Anne White has made critical advances to materials chemistry and to science outreach in Canada. A professor of chemistry at Dalhousie University for over three decades, she is Canada's leading expert on how various materials physically react to heat. Notably, she contributed to the understanding of materials that change colour based on their temperature, a breakthrough that is now used in commercial products. Passionate about fostering a love of science in the next generation, she has played a leadership role in coordinating National Chemistry Week and in the creation of a science discovery centre in Halifax.
The Honourable Warren Winkler, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
Former chief justice of Ontario and president of the Court of Appeal, Warren Winkler is recognized as one of Canada's top mediators. He has advanced the field of labour law in Canada, and also helped address some of our nation's greatest human tragedies and intractable legal disputes. Notably, he established landmark settlements for victims affected by tainted water, infected blood, and the residential school system. As chief justice, he streamlined the provincial justice system to make it more effective and accessible to the public at large.
MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA
Joseph Georges Arsenault, C.M., O.P.E.I.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Joseph Georges Arsenault is an advocate for Prince Edward Island's Acadian community.
A teacher, writer, historian, radio host and folklorist, this versatile man has put his many talents to use in researching, conserving and promoting Acadian culture. Thanks to his efforts, the island's Acadian heritage has been rediscovered and is now a vibrant, dynamic part of the island's cultural life. Through his involvement in numerous cultural associations and institutions, he is ensuring that this Acadian legacy will be passed down for generations to come.
Geoffrey Battersby, C.M.
Revelstoke, British Columbia
For decades, Geoffrey Battersby has been the driving force behind improving his community.
A physician by profession, he continued to practice while serving as mayor at a time when his rural town was facing serious economic challenges. He introduced the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation and the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation to encourage environmentally sensitive forestry and the use of alternative energy sources. These and similar endeavours have spurred economic growth and have become models for others seeking rural sustainability.
Johanne Berry, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Johanne Berry's entrepreneurial rigour is exceptional. Télé-Ressources Staffing Services, the staff recruitment and outsourcing company she founded in 1985, ranks among the top independent firms in Quebec. Known for her determination and integrity, she works hard while generating a high level of employment and contributing significantly to Canada's economy. Considered a management authority in Quebec, she pays particular attention to the role of women, and her influence is apparent in the cultural, social and business foundations and organizations to which she devotes her time and effort.
Joseph Boyden, C.M.
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. & Ahmic Harbour, Ontario
A gifted storyteller, Joseph Boyden has shone a spotlight on our common heritage. His powerful and award-winning novels, including Through Black Spruce, Three Day Road and The Orenda, explore the intersection of First Nation and European cultures, and deepen our understanding of modern-day Canadian society. Known as an engaging public speaker and a committed social activist, he generously supports a variety of causes related to mental health, the environment and the treatment of Indigenous people.
Phyllis Bruce, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Phyllis Bruce has contributed to the flourishing of Canadian literature. A publisher and editor, she has groomed a generation of Canadian writers and has helped to bring their works before a wider audience. In addition to launching the career of many award-winning writers, she has also helped set high standards for editing and has taught many aspiring editors in publishing programs across the country. Moreover, she is the first and only woman in Canada to have her own imprint with a major publishing house.
Michael Budman, C.M. and Don Green, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Michael Budman and Don Green are leaders in the fashion industry and great promoters of Canadian style at home and abroad. These businessmen and fashion designers came to Canada more than 40 years ago and founded Roots, a quintessential Canadian apparel brand inspired by their love of the outdoors and their affinity for Algonquin Park. Throughout their stewardship of the company, they showcased Canadian design to the world and generously supported such causes as the environment, healthy living, amateur sport, arts and culture, and community engagement.
The Honourable Catherine Callbeck, C.M.
Central Bedeque, Prince Edward Island
Catherine Callbeck has made outstanding contributions to Canada as a senator, a politician, and a business and community leader. Over a 30-year career, she served in the provincial and federal legislatures and in the Senate of Canada, and was the first woman elected as a provincial premier. This passionate champion of the citizens of Prince Edward Island has many hallmarks to her distinguished public service, notably her commitment to education and economic development. She has been involved with many organizations, and is a mentor and advocate for women in public life and business.
Jack L. Cockwell, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Jack Cockwell is a prominent business leader who is committed to advancing youth education and environmental sustainability. He has served in a voluntary capacity on a number of community boards, notably as chair of the Royal Ontario Museum board of trustees, and has contributed generously to Ryerson University and George Brown College, among other institutions. With conservation particularly close to his heart, he has guided the development of a wildlife reserve in central Ontario for nearly 30 years.
Patricia Cranton, C.M. (deceased)
Lakeville Corner, New Brunswick
Patricia Cranton was a prominent voice in the field of adult education. As a scholar at leading universities across Canada and in the United States, she wrote widely on transformative learning, a system that exposes students to alternative viewpoints, potentially shifting how they see the world. Her work led to the development of tools that help teachers tailor individual learning plans for a wide range of adult learners, from professionals to those seeking re-training. This inspirational teacher was also a mentor for the next generation of adult educators.
The insignia presented to the late Patricia Cranton will be received by her brother,
John Cranton.
The Honourable Joseph Z. Daigle, C.M.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Joseph Daigle has demonstrated remarkable dedication and service to his province. An accomplished civil litigator for 20 years, he later served as a provincial court judge and politician, and went on to become the first Acadian and Francophone to serve as chief justice of New Brunswick. A champion of French-language rights, he has increased access to justice for Francophones in his province, notably by overseeing the revision and translation of New Brunswick's laws into French. As a result of his efforts, a new French vocabulary for common law was developed and has now been adopted by other legal systems.
Madeleine Delaney-LeBlanc, C.M.
Shediac, New Brunswick
For nearly 50 years, Madeleine Delaney-LeBlanc has been advocating for women's rights. She played a key role in seeing gender equality entrenched in the Canadian Constitution. As founding chair of New Brunswick's Advisory Council on the Status of Women, she has devoted herself to improving the status of women in terms of equality, financial autonomy and social respect. Condemning violence against women, she helped to establish shelters for victims. This champion of social justice continues to volunteer with numerous groups in her community.
Neason Akiva Michael Eskin, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Michael Eskin has made important contributions to Canada's canola industry. A food chemistry professor at the University of Manitoba, he has conducted pioneering research on edible oils. His identification of the chemical, physical and performance properties of canola oil helped lay the foundation for its development as a marketable product. In addition to serving on the boards of several academic organizations and journals in his field, he is an esteemed teacher who has creatively used rap music to teach his students about lipids in food.
Marie Esther Fortier, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Marie Fortier's expertise in health care has improved the lives of thousands of Canadians. Known for her ability to succeed at difficult tasks, she held a number of senior positions at Health Canada and with the National Forum on Health before serving as the deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, where she helped to negotiate the Kelowna Accord. Later, as chair of the Champlain Region's Health Integration Network, she worked to improve health services in Eastern Ontario and to safeguard the accessibility of health care for Francophones in their own language. She continues to play a leading role in health policy discussions as a board member of Health Quality Ontario.
Paul John Perry Guloien, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
P. J. Perry is one of Canada's most talented and intensely expressive jazz alto saxophonists. Having started his career at an early age, he toured throughout Europe before coming home to Canada and joining Tommy Banks' jazz group. Here he became a fixture of Canada's jazz music scene. He continues to tour and perform, and is a compelling ambassador of bebop. Approachable and generous with his time and talent, he is also a mentor to emerging young musicians.
Barbara Hall, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Throughout four decades of public service, Barbara Hall's passion for social justice has been unwavering. An activist and former alderwoman, she was known for her commitment to the marginalized and for the immense rapport she enjoyed with her constituents. As Toronto's last pre-amalgamation mayor, she led efforts to restore vibrancy to the city's downtown and was a vocal supporter of gay rights. Later, she steered the Ontario Human Rights Commission through a transformative period in its history and conducted several high-profile investigations dealing with racial profiling and systemic discrimination.
Paul James Hill, C.M.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Paul Hill has used his business acumen to benefit the people of western Canada. In addition to contributing to the development of a vibrant business climate in Saskatchewan, he has been active on corporate and non-profit boards related to public policy, business and the arts. Yet his greatest passion lies in creating opportunities for youth. A strong supporter of Regina's post-secondary institutions, he has established such educational charities as One Life Makes a Difference and the Mother Teresa Middle School, which are aimed at improving outcomes for at-risk youth.
Jack Mintz, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
Jack Mintz is a renowned expert on fiscal and tax policy. A former head of the C. D. Howe Institute, he has influenced the structure of provincial, federal and international tax systems around the world. Many developing countries have also adopted his corporate tax reforms. A highly regarded teacher and mentor, he co-founded and directed the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, which aims to bridge the gaps between business, government and academia.
Rohinton Mistry, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Rohinton Mistry is one of Canada's most renowned authors. His works have garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Giller Prize and the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, and have been translated into over 30 languages. His novels and stories, often peopled by the most vulnerable in society, create a fictional universe that resonates widely because of its distinct ability to provide insight into complex social contexts and tensions without losing sight of the humanity of the characters. His writings remind us that neither community nor society is possible without kindness and compassion.
Terrence Montague, C.M., C.D.
Edmonton, Alberta
Terrence Montague has helped to improve the health of Canadians. As director of cardiology at the University of Alberta and, later, as vice-president of patient health at Merck Canada, he developed a patient-centred model of care that has improved health outcomes for whole populations with chronic diseases. He led several disease management projects using this model, including one of the first heart function clinics in North America, the multi-centre Clinical Quality Improvement Network, and the Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes project in Nova Scotia, which was permanently adopted by the provincial department of health.
John Mulvihill, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Motivated by his father's experience with illness, John Mulvihill has made important contributions to health care. A prominent member of the business community and an ardent defender of our publicly funded system, he has devoted countless volunteer hours to Toronto's University Health Network (UHN). As chair of its board of trustees, he transformed its governance structure and introduced unprecedented oversight practices that have secured its financial position for the future. He also contributed significantly to the UHN's campaigns to create Ontario's first Gamma Knife facility and to build the Krembil Discovery Tower.
Sandra Paikowsky, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Scholar, curator, editor and publisher Sandra Paikowsky played a central role in the emergence of Canadian art history as a discipline. A professor at Concordia University in Montréal for over 40 years, she helped found the country's first Canadian art history program, and was the curator and director of the Concordia Art Gallery for more than a decade. She is best known for devoting over 30 years to the Journal of Canadian Art History as its managing editor. Her tireless work has provided an invaluable forum for collaboration and discussion, which has immeasurably strengthened the study of our national art.
John Palmer, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
John Palmer has helped establish strong regulation and transparency in Canada's financial industry. Following a successful career in the private sector, he served as the superintendent of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions where he led reforms that increased oversight, reduced risk and helped build public confidence in Canada's financial system. Today, as chair and a founding director of the Toronto International Leadership Centre for Financial Sector Supervision, an organization committed to financial stability and economic development, he continues to promote sound regulation, notably in emerging economies.
Dani Reiss, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Dani Reiss has built an iconic brand that is a model of entrepreneurial success. President and CEO of Canada Goose, he grew his third-generation family outerwear company into a leading manufacturer of luxury apparel that is recognized around the world. Committed to producing within our borders, he has provided jobs for Canadians and raised the profile of our goods internationally. Passionate about the North, he founded an initiative to support the parka-making traditions of the Inuit and serves as chair of Polar Bears International.
Cathy Roozen, C.M., A.O.E.
Edmonton, Alberta
Cathy Roozen has enriched the business and community sectors in Alberta. Admired for her corporate acumen and wise counsel, she is a leading light in the investment and banking sector, and a mentor to the next generation of business executives. As head of the Allard Foundation, she has supported health care, educational, arts and culture, and social service organizations both provincially and nationally. With such groups as Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Cancer Institute, she has been a hands-on leader who moves institutions forward.
Fiona Amaryllis Sampson, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Fiona Sampson has devoted her professional life to defending the rights of vulnerable people. A lawyer and human rights scholar, she applied Canadian expertise in Charter litigation to international human rights issues by founding the Equality Effect, an interdisciplinary and collaborative social justice group devoted to making the rights of women and girls real. Its achievements include the 160 Girls case, which made legal history in Kenya and has concretely improved the lives of millions of girls, setting the high-water mark for access to justice for sexual assault victims.
Noreen Taylor, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Noreen Taylor's passion for the arts has helped shape many cultural institutions. A former teacher, she nurtured the development of aspiring artists as the founding artistic director of Toronto's Claude Watson School for the Arts. Later, in memory of her late husband, she founded the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction, bringing national stature to non-fiction writing and launching the careers of many authors. In addition, she has enriched the work of several cultural boards with her leadership, including the McMichael Gallery and, more recently, Open Stage.
Louis Vachon, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Louis Vachon has had an illustrious career as a banker. As president and chief executive officer of National Bank, he has successfully positioned this institution among the most respected banks in Canada and the world. Active in Canada's business sector, he is involved with several organizations focused on business leadership, including the Institut d'entrepreneuriat Banque Nationale-HEC Montréal and the Business Council of Canada. He also supports numerous social and charitable organizations through personal involvement and donations, notably Centraide and the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec.
Richard Weber, C.M., M.S.M.
Alcove, Quebec
Richard Weber is one of the world's pre-eminent polar explorers. He has trekked to the North Pole seven times and spent over 600 days and nights on the Arctic Ocean, more than any other person in history. In 1995 he successfully completed the first unsupported return trip to the North Pole, an achievement that has never been repeated and was described as "the most difficult polar challenge ever achieved." Currently, he guides Arctic expeditions and operates Canada's two most northerly wilderness lodges, where he has created opportunities for southerners to travel to the North and learn about the effects of climate change.
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. |
||
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.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, [email protected]
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