December 7, 2007
OTTAWA Mr. James R. Wright, the High Commissioner for Canada to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will present the insignia of Officer of the Order of Canada to Mr. Kenneth Wheeler on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, during a ceremony in London on December 10, 2007.
The following text is the official citation for Mr. Wheeler:
Kenneth (Kenny) Wheeler, O.C.London (United Kingdom)Officer of the Order of Canada
A trumpeter, composer and arranger, Kenny Wheeler is considered a giant of jazz who has helped put Canadians on the map internationally. Admired by musicians and fans alike as an innovator whose work serves as a cornerstone, he has recorded more than 20 albums and played with the biggest names in the business. He has created new directions in both composition and arrangement, and his works are studied in music courses around the world. Humble yet generous, he is a beloved teacher and guide to younger musicians, who cite him as an example and inspiration.
An Order of Canada backgrounder is attached.
-30-
Media and Public informationMarie-Paule ThornRideau Hall Press Office613-993-2569or 1‑800-465-6890www.gg.ca
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 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.
The current members of the Advisory Council are:
· The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada (Chair) · Dr. Patricia A. Baird, O.C., O.B.C.· Dr. Patricia A. Demers, President, RSC: The Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada · 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, C.M. · Mr. Kevin Lynch, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet · Mr. L. Jacques Ménard, O.C. · Mr. J.E. Newall, O.C.· Ms. Bonnie M. Patterson, Chair, 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.
