March 22, 2006
OTTAWA -- On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Her Honour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will present the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Mr. John Turvey during a ceremony to be held on Friday, March 24, 2006, at 3 p.m., at the Comox Recreation Centre, 1855 Noel Avenue, in Comox, British Columbia. The appointment has been in effect since June 29, 2005.
The following text is the official citation for Mr. Turvey:
John Turvey, C.M., O.B.C.Comox, British ColumbiaMember of the Order of Canada
By the age of 13, John Turvey was addicted to heroin. In his early twenties he gave up drugs and became a formidable, if unconventional, advocate for the disadvantaged of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Through his drive and determination, he brought the problems of street youth out of the shadows and into the mainstream of professional and public concern. He challenged all levels of government and is credited with results that include changes to the Criminal Code and a groundbreaking needle exchange program. His blunt, tell-it-like-it-is style has earned him supporters and detractors, but no one denies he has made a difference in many people's lives.
A backgrounder on the Order of Canada is attached.
Media information
Lucie BrosseauRideau Hall Press Office(613) 998-0287www.gg.ca
Caroline McAndrews Events CoordinatorGovernment House, Victoria(250) 356-9499
-30-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 membershipCompanion, Officer and Memberhonour 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 current members of the Council are:
· The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada (Chair)
· The Honourable Thomas R. Berger, O.C.
· Ms. Patricia A. Demers, C.M., President, Royal Society of Canada
· Mr. Richard Francis Haskayne, O.C.
· Mr. Tom Jackson, O.C.
· Ms. Karen Kain, C.C., Chair, Canada Council for the Arts
· Ms. Judith A. LaRocque, C.V.O., Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage
· Dr. Daurene E. Lewis, O.C.
· Mr. Kevin Lynch, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
· Mr. L. Jacques Ménard, O.C.
· Ms. Bonnie M. Patterson, Chair of the Board, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
· Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals as candidates for appointment.
· Any Canadian may be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who may not be appointed while holding office.
· Non-Canadians may be considered for honorary appointments.
