November 9, 2006
OTTAWAHis Excellency Claude Laverdure, Ambassador of Canada to France, presented the insignia of Officer of the Order of Canada to Ms. Nancy Huston on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, during a private ceremony held at the Centre culturel canadien, in Paris, France, on November 8, 2006. Ms. Huston was appointed on June 29, 2005.
The following text is the official citation for Ms. Huston:
Nancy Huston, O.C.Paris, France and Calgary, AlbertaOfficer of the Order of Canada
Nancy Huston has left her own personal imprint on the world of literature and the arts. She takes us on a journey through the twists and turns of the human soul, through both its light and dark sides. Her books never leave the reader indifferent. Some of her novels, like Les Variations Goldberg and Cantique des Plaines, have earned her awards both in Canada and Europe. She has also written essays and youth fiction, as well as co-authored screenplays, including the award-winning Quebec film Emporte-moi (Set Me Free). In addition, this celebrated author translates her own works as well as those of authors whom she holds in particularly high regard. Women's issues are close to her heart and she has taught at such schools as the Feminist Studies Institute of Columbia University in Paris.
An Order of Canada backgrounder follows. For more information on the Order of Canada, please visit our Web site at www.gg.ca.
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Media information Public informationMarilyne GuèvremontRideau Hall Press Office(613) 998-7280www.gg.caOrder 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, The 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
· Mrs. 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, Chairman 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.
