Media Advisory - Governor General to Invest 44 Recipients into the Order of Canada

OTTAWA, Sept. 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will preside over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. The Governor General, who is chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, will bestow the honour on 9 Officers and 35 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.

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 (Officers first, followed by Members)
11:45 a.m.:	Interviews with recipients

RECIPIENTS

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

The Honourable Jean-Louis Baudouin, O.C., G.O.Q.	Montréal, Que.
Deborah Cook, O.C.	Dundas, Ont.
Frederick (Fred) William Gorbet, O.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	North York, Ont.
Shaf Keshavjee, O.C., O.Ont.	Toronto, Ont.
Richard (Rick) Vincent Mercer, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
The Honourable Peter Milliken, P.C., O.C.	Elginburg, Ont.
Sarah Polley, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Nancy Margaret Reid, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Eleanor Wachtel, O.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	Toronto, Ont.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Caroline Andrew, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Jean-Pierre Andrieux, C.M.	St. John's, N.L.
Wally Buono, C.M.	Surrey, B.C.
Serge Chapleau, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Brenda Clark, C.M.	Port Hope, Ont.
Tim Cook, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Jean-Guy Desjardins, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Alba DiCenso, C.M.	Hamilton, Ont.
Anthony N. Doob, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
M. Joanne Douglas, C.M.	Vancouver, B.C.
Louise Dupré, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Simon Durivage, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
David K. Elton, C.M.	Calgary, Alta.
Julia E. Foster, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M.	Winnipeg, Man.
Madeleine Gagnon, C.M., O.Q.	Montréal, Que.
Serge Gauthier, C.M.	Hudson, Que.
Adèle M. Hurley, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Chantal Kreviazuk, C.M.	Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. and Toronto, Ont.
Normand Laprise, C.M., C.Q.	Mont-Royal, Que.
Suzie LeBlanc, C.M.	Verdun, Que.
Michael I. M. MacMillan, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Raine Maida, C.M.	Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. and Toronto, Ont.
Susan McGrath, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Jeremy Nichol McNeil, C.M.	London, Ont.
Robert Mellin, C.M.	St. John's, N.L. and Montréal, Que.
Frank Newfeld, C.M.	Oakville, Ont.
Alexander Peter Pauk, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Michael Phillips, C.M.	Shanghai, People's Republic of China
John Carman Ricker, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Gary Slaight, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Constance Sugiyama, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Robyn Tamblyn, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Jean-Claude Tardif, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Eric Robert Walters, C.M.	Guelph, Ont.

RECIPIENTS' CITATIONS

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

The Honourable Jean-Louis Baudouin, O.C., G.O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Jean-Louis Baudouin is one of Canada's foremost jurists in Quebec. A professor at Université de Montréal for over 25 years, and a judge at the Quebec Court of Appeal for 20 years, he has distinguished himself through his tremendous ability to simplify and explain key concepts relating to civil law. He is also one of the principal architects of the reform of the Civil Code of Quebec and played a leading role in the Law Reform Commission of Canada as its commissioner and vice-chair. Some of his writings are still considered authoritative.

Deborah Cook, O.C.
Dundas, Ontario

Deborah Cook has improved the way hospitals provide care for critically ill patients around the world. As a Canada Research Chair and professor of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics at McMaster University, she has conducted studies that have reduced the incidence of lethal complications in intensive care units, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and deep vein thrombosis. She also served as the founding chair of the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group where she helped establish Canada's reputation as a world leader in clinical research for critically ill patients.

Frederick (Fred) William Gorbet, O.C.
North York, Ontario

Fred Gorbet is sought out nationally and internationally for his expertise in public policy issues. For York University's School of Business, he designed a new academic stream for financial services and created a national research program in financial services and public policy. His broad experience and wise advice have benefited many governmental panels and organizations, as well as the insurance industry and the credit union movement. More recently, as chair of the board of trustees for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, he has been at the forefront of safeguarding North America's electricity grid.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Shaf Keshavjee, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Shaf Keshavjee is at the forefront of global innovation in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation. He is the director of the Toronto Lung Transplant Program and the surgeon-in-chief of the University Health Network. He is best known for developing a procedure where damaged donor lungs are housed outside of a body in a protective dome so that they may be assessed and repaired prior to transplantation. This technique has been emulated in medical centres around the world and has saved the lives of countless individuals who would otherwise have perished waiting for new lungs. Currently, he is developing stem cell and gene therapy strategies to further revolutionize the field of organ transplantation.

Richard (Rick) Vincent Mercer, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Rick Mercer is Canada's pre-eminent political satirist. Through his roles on "This Hour has 22 Minutes", "Made in Canada" and "The Rick Mercer Report", he has cemented his status as a cultural icon. He is known for his fearless political commentary, for his ability to connect with Canadians of all stripes, and for his flair for showcasing our nation from coast to coast to coast. He is also a leading advocate for the arts and a tireless spokesperson for numerous charitable endeavours, notably the Spread the Net campaign to combat malaria worldwide.

The Honourable Peter Milliken, P.C., O.C.
Elginburg, Ontario

Peter Milliken has made outstanding contributions to Canadian public life. As the longest-serving speaker of the House in Canadian history, he made several landmark rulings and set procedural precedents, while maintaining the respect of all parties in a deeply divided Commons. Since retiring from politics, he has served his community through his involvement with historic and heritage organizations, and is a senior fellow of the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University.

Sarah Polley, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Sarah Polley is a passionate advocate for Canadian drama. She first endeared herself to audiences as a child actor, notably in the popular television series "Road to Avonlea." After landing leading roles in several art house successes, she turned her focus to filmmaking, where she continues to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, creativity and skill. Her feature films Away from Her, Take this Waltz and Stories We Tell, which offer poignant narratives of human relationships, have garnered national and international acclaim.

Nancy Margaret Reid, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Nancy Reid has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of statistical sciences. A professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto, she is also a devoted leader in the Canadian statistical community. Her research is aimed at finding more accurate and efficient methods to deduce and conclude facts from complex data sets, ultimately helping scientists find specific solutions to specific problems. As chair of the NSERC Long Range Plan Steering Committee for the Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, she helped to set a course for research funding strategies and to promote mathematical and statistical sciences for years to come.

Eleanor Wachtel, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Eleanor Wachtel has become the linchpin that connects Canadian readers to the worldwide literary community. Hailed as one of the world's best interviewers of authors, she regularly wins praise for her work on CBC Radio's "Writers & Company," where her unique blend of integrity, warmth and perspicacity has won the trust of international, high-profile authors. A mainstay at Canada's major literary events, in the past five years alone, she has been invited to moderate at book festivals in Amsterdam, Colombia, China, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

This is a promotion within the Order.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Caroline Andrew, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Caroline Andrew is a leading voice in academia and social activism in Ottawa. A former dean of social sciences at the University of Ottawa, she co-founded its women's studies program and is noted for her research on urban and feminist studies. At the grassroots level, she has volunteered with such organizations as the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership and the Lowertown Community Resource Centre to advocate on behalf of newcomers, women and residents of inner-city neighbourhoods. She has also championed civic initiatives that support better immigrant integration, crime reduction and the language rights of Franco-Ontarians.

Jean-Pierre Andrieux, C.M.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Jean-Pierre Andrieux is committed to keeping Newfoundland's maritime history alive. For more than 35 years, this businessman has been amassing original documents and photographs that detail the role Europeans played in the settlement of Newfoundland and Labrador. He has written more than 20 books, in both English and French, on such topics as the cod fishery, North Atlantic sailing ships and rum running. As well, his collection of more than 40 000 pictures of ships and schooners will be an important resource for historians and a lasting legacy for Newfoundlanders.

Wally Buono, C.M.
Surrey, British Columbia

A player, coach, manager and executive, Wally Buono has left an indelible mark on football in Canada. A seven-time Grey Cup champion, he is the Canadian Football League's winningest coach and one of its longest-serving executives in history. He has also mentored countless players and coaches, and has helped pave the way for other Canadians to have careers as professional football coaches. Off the field, he is a noted contributor to the community and is actively involved with a host of charitable and non-profit organizations.

Serge Chapleau, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Serge Chapleau is one of Canada's most innovative and respected cartoonists. For the past four decades, he has been making us laugh with his illustrations, which have been appearing in La Presse for nearly 20 years and which invite us to reflect on the people and events that make the news. He developed a unique style using a very precise portrait technique and is a pioneer in his field, having created animated cartoons for his television program "Ici Laflaque". In addition, he creates and donates drawings to support the fundraising campaigns of various charitable organizations.

Brenda Clark, C.M.
Port Hope, Ontario

Brenda Clark's creative talents have delighted children the world over. Illustrator of the iconic Franklin the Turtle books, she has brought this little turtle and his friends to life, enriching our imaginations with her creations. Her paintings, noted for their vibrant colours, vivid details and warm appeal, are beloved for making the impossible seem real. She also supports her peers and has mentored students, notably at Sheridan College, where she funds scholarships. As well, she has contributed to literacy foundations and has donated her life's work to the Toronto Public Library.

Tim Cook, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Tim Cook has revived public interest in and shed new light on Canada's wartime history. A pre‑eminent popular historian, he is best known for his award-winning books, which illuminate the personal stories of Canadian soldiers and which are widely read by both scholars and non-academics alike. As the First World War historian at the Canadian War Museum, he engages visitors with his celebrated exhibits and is helping to create educational resources on Canada's history for all ages.

Jean-Guy Desjardins, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

For over 40 years, Jean-Guy Desjardins has been a pioneer in the investment field. He founded TAL Global Asset Management and Fiera Capital Corporation, two of Canada's leading independent portfolio management firms. Renowned as a skilled manager, he has served on various boards, including that of the Bank of Canada. He also supports numerous organizations and causes in his community, both personally and through his foundation.

Alba DiCenso, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario

Alba DiCenso has fostered the growth of the nursing profession and improved patient access to health care. Professor emeritus at the School of Nursing and the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University, she conducted groundbreaking research that supported the full integration of nurse practitioners into our health care system. Lead editor of the first major textbook and nursing journal on evidence-based nursing, she is regarded as a pioneer in the field and has advanced nursing in Canada and abroad. As well, her commitment to capacity building has increased the number and expertise of health services researchers who will be the leaders of innovation in future health care delivery.

Anthony N. Doob, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Anthony Doob is an important voice in the criminal justice debate. Professor emeritus and a long‑serving director of the Centre of Criminology at the University of Toronto, he is highly regarded for his research into our justice system, particularly on issues related to youth and the effects of sentencing and imprisonment on crime rates. For over 40 years, he has championed the place of empirical evidence in the development of policy, notably as a member of the Canadian Sentencing Commission, as a contributor to programs of the National Judicial Institute and as the founder and co-director of Criminological Highlights, which is published by the university.

M. Joanne Douglas, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Joanne Douglas has helped advance the discipline of obstetrical anesthesiology to improve the quality and safety of care for mothers and their newborns. As a clinical professor at the University of British Columbia and the first woman to head the department of anesthesia at the B.C. Women's Hospital, she trained and mentored countless students. She has a record of leadership on a national scale, and has served on several professional committees and associations to develop interdisciplinary guidelines and best practices in obstetrics and anesthesia.

Louise Dupré, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Louise Dupré has contributed to the advancement of literature in several ways. A leading figure of Quebec poetry, she is also a novelist, playwright, essayist, literary critic and professor. She is renowned as an expert in women's writing and taught creative writing for 20 years at the Université du Québec à Montréal, supporting many up-and-coming writers. She also served as secretary general of the Académie des lettres du Québec, oversaw the Rencontre québécoise internationale des écrivains, and was the editor of the prestigious research journal Voix et Images.

Simon Durivage, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Simon Durivage is a highly respected journalist, news anchor and host. Having worked in the media for over 45 years, he has won over a wide audience with his skill as an interviewer, his ability to distill complex issues into simple terms, and his warm delivery. A former anchor for Radio-Canada and the TVA network, he also showcased his talent on prestigious public affairs programs including "Le Point", "Consommateurs avertis" and "Le Club des Ex." In addition, he is involved with various music organizations and notably served as spokesperson for the Montréal International Music Competition.

David K. Elton, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

For decades, David Elton has championed public policy and philanthropy in western Canada. As president of the Canada West Foundation, he ensured that national policy debates on such issues as the environment, free trade and constitutional reform included a western Canadian perspective. In addition to his policy research as a professor emeritus at the University of Lethbridge, he has been at the helm of several granting foundations in Calgary, overseeing funding for innovative programing in the areas of music, children at risk, education, the environment, and health and wellness.

Julia E. Foster, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Julia Foster has been a pillar of support for the arts in Canada. A former marketing executive and a director on many corporate boards, she has shared her business and leadership acumen with not‑for-profit organizations, notably as the chair of the Stratford Festival, the Ontario Arts Council and the National Arts Centre. In these roles, she has been praised for her commitment to artistic excellence and to effective board governance. Beyond the arts, she is the chair of the board of governors at York University and is a trustee of the Hospital for Sick Children.

Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Raymonde Gagné is known as a champion of education and of the Francophonie in her province. As president of Université de Saint-Boniface, she broadened the range of post-secondary educational opportunities in French. She is responsible for the university college obtaining full university status, as well as for the construction of the health sciences pavilion. By developing a cadre of Francophone nurses and having a hand in establishing various organizations within her community, she has given Francophones wider access to health care and social services in French.

Madeleine Gagnon, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Madeleine Gagnon is a renowned Quebec literary figure and feminist. Recognized as one of the most profound voices in poetry, she is a writer engaged in the major issues of her time, and her writings defending the cause of women are exemplary in that respect. A former professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal, she has also contributed to a number of literary reviews. Her body of work, which includes stories, essays and novels, has influenced numerous writers and won her acclaim in Canada and abroad.

Serge Gauthier, C.M.
Hudson, Quebec

For over 30 years, Serge Gauthier has been a key figure in Alzheimer's disease and dementia care. A professor at McGill University and the director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit at the McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, he has researched the probability of developing Alzheimer's, evaluated medications which appear to slow its effects, and developed guidelines for assessing the effectiveness of anti-dementia drugs. He also co-founded a network to coordinate the clinical trials of researchers across Canada and published an introductory guide to Alzheimer's that is a trusted handbook for the public.

Adèle M. Hurley, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Adèle Hurley is one of Canada's leading advocates for the protection of our country's air and water resources. As a co-founder of the Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain, she led efforts in both Canada and the United States to pass legislation restricting the emissions that cause acid rain. She also established the Program on Water Issues at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs. As its director, she created a space for collaborative research, education and dialogue on critical and emerging water issues, and has demonstrated skill in turning science into policy and legislation.

Chantal Kreviazuk, C.M. and Raine Maida, C.M.
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. and Toronto, Ontario

Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida have touched the lives of Canadians with their music and their compassion. These gifted musicians have each sold millions of records and achieved critical acclaim as vocalists and songwriters. Together, they have helped others achieve success in the music industry by writing songs for both accomplished and emerging artists. They are highly regarded for their efforts to raise awareness and support for numerous causes including human and animal rights, mental health, education and the environment.

Normand Laprise, C.M., C.Q.
Mont-Royal, Quebec

Normand Laprise, an authority on and a pioneer of Quebec gastronomy, is the Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef of Toqué!, one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Canada, as well as the co-owner of Brasserie T! He reinvented traditional cuisine by featuring local products and marrying the familiar with the unexpected on each plate. He has also taken Quebec cuisine beyond our borders by travelling throughout the world as a guest chef. He is an esteemed mentor to the next generation of chefs, and also serves as the spokesperson for La Tablée des Chefs, which aims at developing food knowledge and autonomy among underprivileged youth.

Suzie LeBlanc, C.M.
Verdun, Quebec

Soprano Suzie LeBlanc has been bringing early-period music to audiences for nearly 30 years. She has distinguished herself by her moving performances and extensive repertoire. More recently, she has been exploring French melodies, contemporary music and Acadian folk music, for which she is a passionate ambassador. She is also supporting the next generation of singers by teaching and offering master classes, and is the co-founder and artistic director of Le Nouvel Opéra, which offers workshops and produces Baroque stage works.

Michael I. M. MacMillan, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Michael MacMillan is a driving force in Canadian film and television. He co-founded Atlantis Films during his final year of university, steered its growth into a major player and eventually became the chair and CEO of this North American industry giant. Currently at the helm of Blue Ant Media, he remains a tireless promoter of the Canadian film industry. He is also committed to increasing civic engagement in Canada and co-founded Samara, a non-partisan charitable organization that fosters political participation across the country.

Susan McGrath, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A leading advocate for marginalized people, Susan McGrath has ardently defended human dignity for over four decades. Her early training as a social worker prompted what would become a lifelong concern for displaced persons abroad. As a professor at York University, she directed its Centre for Refugee Studies and led its transformation into one of the world's premier locations for forced migration studies. Notable for forging links between the policy and research communities, she has always sought to use her academic work to bring about tangible improvements in the lives of those in need.

Jeremy Nichol McNeil, C.M.
London, Ontario

Jeremy McNeil is a leading entomologist who is committed to advancing science in Canada. A professor and chair in chemical ecology at Western University for over 40 years, he has published landmark studies exploring the environmental impact on the survival and reproductive abilities of insects. He is the foreign secretary of the Royal Society of Canada and a former president of the International Society for Chemical Ecology. He regularly shares his passion for the fascinating world of insects with audiences at public events.

Robert Mellin, C.M.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and Montréal, Quebec

Robert Mellin is committed to preserving the built heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. This architect has undertaken extensive and award-winning work in restoring buildings in urban and rural settings. In Tilting, an outport community, he partnered with locals to save their cultural heritage by preserving their houses, stages, flakes and root cellars. Also a professor at McGill University, he has authored publications on restoration best practices and on the development of modern architecture in Newfoundland. He is highly respected for raising awareness of the importance of saving both traditional and modern buildings to safeguard the province's cultural landscape.

Frank Newfeld, C.M.
Oakville, Ontario

Frank Newfeld is one of the founding fathers of graphic design in Canada. During a prolific career as a book and catalogue designer, he set the tone and style for the visual branding of Canadian literature in its early days. From illustrating the children's classic Alligator Pie, to creating the original logo of the Royal Ontario Museum, he helped professionalize the field of graphic design. He also influenced generations of students at Sheridan College and at the Ontario College of Art and Design University with his avant-garde design philosophy.

Alexander Peter Pauk, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Conductor and composer Alex Pauk directs the only full-sized orchestra in this country exclusively devoted to performing new music.  He founded Esprit Orchestra in 1983, to help revitalize a stagnating contemporary music scene.  Over the ensuing decades, his commitment to excellence, his many educational outreach initiatives, and his dedication to commissioning unknown and well-known composers alike have helped turn this tide.  His uncompromising stewardship of the ensemble—together with his championship of Canada's composers—has generated a legacy of new Canadian orchestral music.

Michael Phillips, C.M.
Shanghai, People's Republic of China

Michael Phillips has saved lives through his dedication to suicide prevention. Following his studies in psychiatric medicine and epidemiology, he travelled to China, where he has been a mental health researcher and clinician for three decades. He recently served as the director of the Suicide Research and Prevention Center at the Shanghai Mental Health Center. In this role, he helped identify the main causes of suicide in the country and developed prevention strategies that have contributed to a dramatic reduction in the national suicide rate. Also a key collaborator on World Health Organization initiatives, he has influenced mental health strategies in several countries.

John Carman Ricker, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

John Ricker transformed how Canadian history was taught in the second half of the 20^th century. Building on his experiences as a secondary school teacher, he wrote or edited more than a dozen school textbooks that engaged students by combining up-to-date scholarship content with an entertaining style. Notably, How Are We Governed? has become a classic text. Also a beloved mentor, he went on to become dean of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Education, where he contributed to the development of generations of Ontario teachers.

Gary Slaight, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Gary Slaight is a visionary philanthropist whose generosity is matched by his community engagement. Former head of his family's broadcasting company, he is now president and CEO of Slaight Communications Inc. and Slaight Music. He champions Canadian culture by fostering emerging artists and by sponsoring cultural initiatives such as the Canadian Film Centre, the Juno Awards, the Polaris Prize, Canada's Walk of Fame and Soulpepper Theatre. He also oversees the Slaight Family Foundation, which supports a diverse range of humanitarian causes from the arts to youth and to health care, both in Canada and abroad.

Constance Sugiyama, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Constance Sugiyama has a record of professional accomplishments and outstanding community service that includes her role as chair of the Hospital for Sick Children. Over a 35-year career, she cemented her reputation as one of Canada's top merger and acquisition lawyers. In addition, she has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women. A third-generation Japanese Canadian, she was also an advocate for redress for Japanese Canadians interned during the Second World War, and led national initiatives to preserve and celebrate Nikkei culture and history.

Robyn Tamblyn, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Robyn Tamblyn has demonstrated how information technology can improve health care delivery. A former nurse practitioner and long-time professor of medicine, epidemiology and biostatistics at McGill University, she has contributed to notable advances in patient care. Her pioneering studies have improved the way licensing bodies evaluate competency among health care professionals, and has led to the creation of electronic medication alert systems to reduce prescription drug errors. Now leading the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, she is coordinating the efforts of investigators across Canada to spur health care innovation.

Jean-Claude Tardif, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Jean-Claude Tardif has played a role in furthering our understanding of heart disease. A professor, cardiologist and director of the Montreal Heart Institute Research Centre, he also established the Montreal Health Innovations Coordinating Center and the Beaulieu-Saucier Pharmacogenomics Centre. He is known for his work on treatments to reverse the process of atherosclerosis and is a pioneer in using intravascular ultrasound to assess coronary heart disease. He has also studied the role that genes play in the effectiveness of medications used to treat cardiovascular diseases, making him a leader in the field.

Eric Robert Walters, C.M.
Guelph, Ontario

Eric Walters is one of Canada's most prolific children's book authors. A former teacher and social worker, he creates novels that allow readers to grapple with contemporary social issues, addressing everything from the use of flash mobs in protesting school policies to the effects of sexual abuse on children. Also fiercely committed to social engagement, he co-founded
The Creation of Hope, which introduces Canadian students to volunteerism and aid work by mobilizing them in support of orphans and impoverished children in Kenya.

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.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance with the
Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the residence's main entrance no later than 10:00 a.m.

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SOURCE Governor General

Media information, Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, [email protected]