May 21, 2004 OTTAWA – On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Mr. Charles J. Taylor during a ceremony held earlier today at the Wolfville Baptist Church, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The appointment has been in effect as of October 30, 2003. The following text is the official citation for Mr. Taylor: Mr. Charles J. Taylor, C.M. A caring and compassionate humanitarian, Charles Taylor has dedicated his life to serving those on the fringes of society. Professor emeritus at Acadia Divinity College, he pioneered clinical pastoral education in Canada, creating training programs for those who provide pastoral care in an institutional setting. Leading by example, he has volunteered for 40 years in federal penitentiaries. His ministry features innovative programs that provide prisoners with a forum for discussing and dealing with their social and spiritual issues. A model of ecumenism, he served as president of the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education and the Christian Council for Reconciliation. A backgrounder on the Order of Canada is attached. -30- Media information Lucie Brosseau Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-0287 www.gg.ca Public information The Chancellery of Honours (613) 993-3524 or 1 800 465-6890 Order of Canada Backgrounder The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement. Three different levels of membership—Companion, Officer and Member—honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The Governor General is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order. Membership in the Advisory Council reflects the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain Advisory Council members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed to the Council for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country. The Council includes the following members: The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada (Chair) The Honourable Thomas R. Berger, O.C. Mrs. Ruth Miriam Goldbloom, O.C. Mr. Richard Francis Haskayne, O.C. Mr. Alex Himelfarb, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. Tom Jackson, O.C. Mrs. Judith A. LaRocque, C.V.O., Deputy Minister, Department of Canadian Heritage Mr. Peter MacKinnon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada The Honourable Antonine Maillet, P.C., C.C., O.Q. Mr. Gilles Paquet, C.M., President, The Royal Society of Canada Ms. Nalini Stewart, Acting Chair, The Canada Council for the Arts Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals as candidates for appointment. Any Canadian can be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who cannot be appointed while holding office. Non-Canadians can be considered for honorary appointments.
