February 19, 2008
OTTAWAHer Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will preside over the 101st investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 22, at 10:30 a.m.
The Order of Canada, our country's highest civilian honour, was created in 1967 during Canada's centennial year to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 40 years, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
The Governor General, who is Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, will bestow the honour on four companions, 14 officers and 20 members.
-30-
A media schedule for the investiture ceremony (Annex A), a list of recipients with citations (Annex B) and a backgrounder (Annex C) are attached. Media interested in covering this event and interviewing recipients are asked to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office.
Honours and Recipients InformationMarie-Paule ThornRideau Hall Press Office 613-993-2569 or 1-800-465-6890www.gg.ca / www.citizenvoices.gg.ca/en/
Media Information (Ceremony) Marie-Eve Létourneau Rideau Hall Press Office 613-998-0287 Isabelle Serrurier Rideau Hall Press Office 613-998-7280
ANNEX A SCHEDULEMembers of the media are asked to observe the following schedule: 10:00 a.m.: Media arrive at Rideau Hall10:30 a.m.: Ceremony beginsEntrance of Their ExcellenciesThe Governor General speaksThe Governor General presents the insignia (Members first, followed by Officers and Companions)Noon: Media interviews with recipients
ANNEX B RECIPIENTS
MEMBERS
Alexander (Al) Davidson, C.M.
Ottawa, Ont.
Flora M. Dell, C.M.
Moncton, N.B.
Maria K. Eriksen, C.M.
Calgary, Alta.
Bunny Ferguson, C.M.
Edmonton, Alta.
Ronald J. Gillespie, C.M.
Dundas, Ont.
Terrence Gillespie, C.M.
Halifax, N.S.
Barbara Gowdy, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.
Doreen Hall, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.
Robert H.A. Haslam, C.M.
Okotoks, Alta.
Brent Hawkes, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.
Peter A. Howlett, C.M.
Westmount, Que.
Beryl Ivey, C.M. (deceased)
The insignia awarded to Mrs. Ivey will be received by her husband, Mr. Richard Macaulay Ivey.
London, Ont. and Toronto, Ont.
Ronald (Ron) Edward Lawless, C.M.
Beaconsfield, Que.
Elizabeth Parr-Johnston, C.M.
Chester Basin, N.S.
Jean E. Portugal, C.M.
Scarborough, Ont.
Kent Stetson, C.M.
Montreal, Que. and Marshfield, P.E.I.
H.P. Daniel (Sandy) van Ginkel, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.
Timothy Vernon, C.M.
Saanichton, B.C.
Frederick (Fred) A. Walsh, C.M.
Berwick, N.S.
David A. Young, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.
OFFICERS
Bertha Clark, O.C.
Athabasca, Alta.
Nicolas D. Georganas, O.C., O.Ont.
Ottawa, Ont.
Chaviva Milada Hosĕk, O.C.
Toronto, Ont.
The Honourable William Hoyt, O.C.
Fredericton, N.B. and London, United-Kingdom
Molly Johnson, O.C.
Toronto, Ont.
Leon Katz, O.C., O.Ont.
Ottawa, Ont.
Michael Maclear, O.C.
Toronto, Ont.
Jacob H. Masliyah, O.C.
Edmonton, Alta.
Jaymie M. Matthews, O.C.
Vancouver, B.C.
Gerald R. McMaster, O.C.
Ottawa, Ont.
Dorothy M. Pringle, O.C.
Toronto, Ont.
Ginette Lemire Rodger, O.C.
Ottawa, Ont.
Gerald W. Schwartz, O.C.
Toronto, Ont.
Pamela Wallin, O.C., S.O.M.
New York, N.Y., U.S.A. and Wadena, Sask.
COMPANIONS
The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, P.C., C.C.
Ottawa, Ont. and Shawinigan, Que.
The Honourable Barnett (Barney) J. Danson, P.C., C.C
This is a promotion within the Order.
Toronto, Ont.
Rock Demers, C.C.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Montreal, Que.
The Honourable Charles D. Gonthier, C.C.
Outremont, Que.
CITATIONS
MEMBERS
Alexander (Al) Davidson, C.M.Ottawa, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Al Davidson has spent a lifetime promoting nature conservation in Canada. A former senior federal public servant, he helped to develop groundbreaking policies that served as models for other countries. He oversaw the establishment of the Canadian Heritage River system and marine conservation areas. With a focus on ecological integrity, he led the creation of dozens of national parks and national historic parks. His commitment to the environment is also evident in his long-standing role as a volunteer, notably with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Canadian Wildlife Foundation and Wildlife Habitat Canada.
Flora M. Dell, C.M.Moncton, New BrunswickMember of the Order of Canada
A committed volunteer and activist, Flora Dell has long worked to improve the health of older Canadians. Building on her experience in the field of gerontology in New Brunswick, she has shared her broad knowledge with groups such as the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults, Osteoporosis Canada and the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging. She has designed programs to teach seniors to deliver exercise classes in their communities, and forged partnerships among experts, hospitals and associations to provide improved health care services for seniors. She continues to inspire Canadians of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle.
Maria K. Eriksen, C.M.Calgary, AlbertaMember of the Order of Canada
Hers has been a profound voice for the advancement and equality of women. A psychologist, advocate and long-time volunteer, Maria Eriksen works for change in society while helping individuals reach their own potential. She has helped to found the Calgary and Alberta Status of Women action committees, the Famous Five Foundation, the Alberta Legal Education Fund and a local sexual and reproductive wellness centre. In addition, she has lent her passion and leadership to the City of Calgary's Advisory Council on Equity and to the YWCA, as well as to the Immigrant Access Fund, which helps foreign-educated professionals obtain the training and credentials needed to work in Canada.
Bunny Ferguson, C.M.Edmonton, AlbertaMember of the Order of Canada
Bunny Ferguson has dedicated a lifetime of volunteerism to the community of Edmonton. She has applied her energy and leadership skills to a number of social endeavours in a vast array of fields, holding pivotal positions at the inception of many organizations. Among her many notable contributions, she has been actively involved with the Alberta Performing Arts Stabilization Fund, the World Track & Field Championships in Athletics, the Alberta Business Family Institute, the Canadian Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Through her commitment to improving the lives of those around her, she is a role model and inspiration for all Canadians.
Ronald J. Gillespie, C.M.Dundas, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Professor emeritus at McMaster University, Ronald Gillespie is one of our country's pre-eminent inorganic chemists. In the 1950s, he developed the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion model to describe and predict the shapes of molecules. The model, which he continues to refine, has not only had an impact on research, but has also made molecular geometry more comprehensible to generations of students. Recognized for his teaching and mentoring skills, he has been the recipient of many awards, including the Award of Excellence in Teaching from McMaster University. He is a fellow of several learned societies, including the Royal Society of London and the Royal Society of Canada.
Terrence Gillespie, C.M.Halifax, Nova ScotiaMember of the Order of Canada
As a pediatrician, Terrence Gillespie dedicated his career to improving the health and well-being of children suffering from cystic fibrosis in Atlantic Canada. As director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory at the IWK Health Centre and the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, he provided his young patients and their families with outstanding personalized care and treatment for more than 25 years. Now retired, he is still recognized as a caring and committed advocate for patients. As well, he has shared his expertise with a number of organizations, including the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Barbara Gowdy, C.M.Toronto, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Barbara Gowdy is one of our country's most imaginative writers, acclaimed for novels such as Mister Sandman and The White Bone as well as for short stories that have appeared in a number of anthologies. She is known for her humour, wit and the vividness of her characters. Her works have been published in 24 countries, often appearing on bestseller lists, and have been translated into many languages. She is the recipient of the Writers' Trust of Canada's Marian Engel Award, which recognizes a female writer for her body of work, and has been a finalist for several prominent literary awards.
Doreen Hall, C.M.Toronto, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Doreen Hall has brought the joy of music to generations of children. A music educator, she introduced the teaching method of German composer Carl Orff to North America while at the Royal Conservatory of Music in the 1950s. In the early days, she translated and published teaching materials on this method, which is based on the belief that all children can learn music. She also traveled to give seminars and held teachers' workshops that attracted people from across the continent. Professor emerita at the University of Toronto, she has continued her work over a lifetime and, today, thousands of teachers, countless students and many professional musicians are beneficiaries of her passion and commitment.
Robert H.A. Haslam, C.M.Okotoks, AlbertaMember of the Order of Canada
Robert Haslam is an inspiration to the medical community. Deeply committed to his young patients and his students, he is a recognized leader in pediatric neurology who has had a major impact on the care of children with nervous system disorders. At the University of Calgary, he was responsible for establishing the Department of Pediatrics and served as chief of Pediatrics at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Later, he provided outstanding leadership at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children. Through his service on numerous boards and committees, he has been a strong advocate on behalf of children with neurological and developmental disabilities.
Brent Hawkes, C.M.Toronto, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Brent Hawkes has been a champion of human rights and social justice for decades. As the senior pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, he has been ministering to his gay and lesbian parishioners for 30 years. Through action, advocacy and education, he has helped to create a safe and inclusive community for gays and lesbians, and to raise awareness by training police officers and by establishing a program in Toronto high schools that supports gay youth. A man of fearless conviction, he presided over Canada's first same-sex union ceremony, and has continued to call for tolerance, understanding and respect for all Canadians.
Peter A. Howlett, C.M.Westmount, QuebecMember of the Order of Canada
A businessman, Peter Howlett is also a community activist and volunteer known for his dedication and tenacity. Nearly 40 years ago, he helped found the Portage Foundation, which offers drug rehabilitation services. He has led the growth of this organization from a street clinic in Montreal to centres across eastern Canada. He has also worked in adult and youth prisons and played an important role in establishing drug treatment and prevention programs in European and Asian countries. Closer to home, he has held numerous leadership roles with Concordia University and heads a group devoted to preserving and protecting Mount Royal.
Beryl Ivey, C.M. (deceased)London, Ontario and Toronto, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Beryl Ivey was an exemplary volunteer and one of our country's most engaged philanthropists. With community service dating back over four decades, this master fundraiser and dynamic leader played a key role in the development of heritage and nature conservation sites, hospitals, universities and arts organizations. The World Wildlife Fund, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and London's University Hospital Foundation are among many organizations she helped to steer. As well, she was a driving force in the philanthropic engagement of the Richard Ivey Foundation and her personal donations funded innovative projects in health care and environmental protection.
The insignia awarded to Mrs. Ivey will be received by her husband, Mr. Richard Macaulay Ivey
Ronald (Ron) Edward Lawless, C.M.Beaconsfield, QuebecMember of the Order of Canada
Ron Lawless has had a steadfast and wide-reaching impact on his community. Dedicated to helping disenfranchised people across Montreal, he has long been involved with the Old Brewery Mission. Under his leadership, this organization has expanded its facilities and its ability to care for the homeless. Over the years, he has also provided guidance on the boards of Bishop's University, Concordia University and the Lakeshore General Hospital. A former head of CN and VIA Rail, he is known for his commitment to Canada's transportation infrastructure and was inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame in 2004.
Elizabeth Parr-Johnston, C.M.Chester Basin, Nova ScotiaMember of the Order of Canada
For decades, Elizabeth Parr-Johnston has made important contributions to the educational and voluntary sectors in Canada. As president of two universities in Atlantic Canada, she was highly respected for creating increased opportunities for women, notably by mentoring female faculty and by making education more accessible to women. Her expertise and wise counsel have been sought by public, private and community boards, including those of the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation, the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies and Symphony Nova Scotia. As head of her own consulting company, she continues to contribute to public policy development in Canada.
Jean E. Portugal, C.M.Scarborough, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
Jean Portugal has played a major role in enhancing our collective memory of the Second World War. She had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as a reporter with The Peterborough Examiner and, later, as an editor-in-chief with Maclean Hunter Limited. Following her retirement, she undertook a massive project, interviewing veterans from across Canada and recording their recollections. Her seven-volume anthology entitled, We Were There:The Navy, Army, and the R.C.A.F, A Record for Canada, serves as an important legacy for future generations.
Kent Stetson, C.M.Montreal, Quebec and Marshfield, Prince Edward IslandMember of the Order of Canada
As a playwright and theatre director, Kent Stetson has been a vibrant creative force for decades. His plays, including the award-winning Harps of God, have captivated audiences by depicting the social and cultural life of Atlantic Canada and by providing insight into what it means to be Canadian. As a dramaturge, he has mentored emerging and established playwrights through his stimulating and innovative workshops. He remains an inspiration for writers, actors and artistic leaders in Atlantic Canada, particularly those in his native Prince Edward Island.
H.P. Daniel (Sandy) van Ginkel, C.M.Toronto, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
As an architect and urban planner, Sandy van Ginkel was instrumental in preserving and promoting some of Montreal's landmark sites. He fought successfully for public policies to protect the integrity of both Old Montreal and Mount Royal Park, helping to maintain their heritage and charm for future generations to enjoy. He was also the leading force in the planning efforts surrounding EXPO '67. Also known for his expertise on airport planning and urban transportation, he has brought a greater appreciation of the impact of infrastructure on the character of urban development.
Timothy Vernon, C.M.Saanichton, British ColumbiaMember of the Order of Canada
Timothy Vernon is an artistic director and conductor lauded for expanding professional opera in Canada and for his commitment to young musicians. He is the driving force behind the flourishing Pacific Opera Victoria and the debut of professional opera in London, Ontario, where he serves as principal conductor and music director for Orchestra London. He is also credited with raising McGill University's Orchestra, which he conducted for 13 years, to exceptionally high, professional standards. A champion of Canadian musicians, he has helped launch the careers of both prominent singers and instrumentalists.
Frederick (Fred) A. Walsh, C.M.Berwick, Nova ScotiaMember of the Order of Canada
For more than 50 years, Fred Walsh has been a pillar of Nova Scotia's agricultural community. He is a lifelong apple farmer who also worked for many years for the provincial Department of Agriculture. His expertise and leadership have benefited many associations, including the King's County Federation of Agriculture and the Scotian Gold Cooperative. An active volunteer, he has mentored agricultural entrepreneurs and organized a farm vacation program, which provides farmers with an additional source of income. Driven by personal experience after a work-related accident, he has championed farm safety, notably as a volunteer with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
David A. Young, C.M.Toronto, OntarioMember of the Order of Canada
His versatility and unique style have made David Young one of our nation's premier bassists. Tremendously gifted, he moves seamlessly between the classical and jazz genres and is known for bringing the two together. The bassist of choice for many of the biggest names in Canadian jazz, he also leads his own ensembles to great acclaim. This multiple-award recipient has been recognized for his extensive repertoire of recordings and for his live performances. Also a composer and an award-winning teacher, he is a generous mentor to new generations of musicians.
OFFICERS
Bertha Clark, O.C.Athabasca, AlbertaOfficer of the Order of Canada
Bertha Clark is a trailblazer and a champion for indigenous women across Canada. In the late 1960s, she founded the Alberta Native Women's Voice, now the Native Women's Association of Canada, to advance issues and concerns of First Nations and Métis women. A respected Elder, she has been a member of the Métis Judiciary and the Aboriginal Veterans Society, and has fought all her life for the rights of the underprivileged and disadvantaged. She remains a powerful voice and a guiding light for the Aboriginal community of Canada.
Nicolas D. Georganas, O.C., O.Ont.Ottawa, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
A computer engineer, Nicolas Georganas has produced innovative and visionary research in multimedia communications that has benefited and connected people around the world. He is internationally renowned for transferring his academic work in broadband networks, telelearning and wireless communications to commercial applications, such as JETS. This interactive system allows people in different locations to work together in real time over the Internet. Founding dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa, he is now associate vice-president of Research (External), where he continues to advance Canada's reputation for excellence in research by promoting partnerships among industry, government and academia.
Chaviva Milada Hosĕk, O.C.Toronto, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
An ardent defender of human rights and higher education, Chaviva Hosĕk has distinguished herself through a sustained commitment to public service. At the University of Toronto, she strengthened a women's studies program and was the first woman to chair the Academic Affairs Committee of the University's Governing Council. Her advocacy of women's rights led her to the presidency of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women in 1984. She later served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as minister of Housing prior to becoming a senior policy advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada. Now president and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, she is helping to enhance Canada's reputation as a global leader in the international scientific community.
The Honourable William Hoyt, O.C.Fredericton, New Brunswick and London, United KingdomOfficer of the Order of Canada
As one of New Brunswick's most esteemed lawyers and jurists, William Hoyt has been a leading figure in the provincial judicial system for over 45 years. Renowned for his integrity, intelligence and compassion, he rose through the ranks of the judiciary and served as chief justice of New Brunswick. Following his retirement from the bench in 1998, he was called upon by the British Government to join the inquiry into the events surrounding Bloody Sunday in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. In this role, he has brought his vast legal experience as well as his personal commitment to the peace process, enhancing both Canada's role and reputation on the international stage.
Molly Johnson, O.C.Toronto, OntarioÀOfficer of the Order of Canada
With her artistic vision, generosity of spirit and committed humanitarianism, Molly Johnson engages her fans and her peers. She has one of Canada's most unmistakable voices and has moved audiences across Canada and Europe with her performances of jazz standards and original pieces. As the co-founder and driving force of the Kumbaya Foundation, she has raised funds and awareness for people living with HIV and AIDS. Always ready to speak out against racism, sexism and intolerance, she has been actively involved with numerous organizations that provide support and services to her fellow Canadians.
Leon Katz, O.C., O.Ont.Ottawa, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
Leon Katz's career was devoted to improving patient care and safety. As a pioneer in the field of biomedical engineering, he used his expertise and ingenuity to invent and modify needed medical apparatus. Among his many accomplishments, he designed and operated the original heart-lung bypass machine used for the first open-heart surgery in Canada. He also developed other specialized equipment, such as a fetal heart monitor, an infant incubator, and a scanner and printer that detects and records thyroid cancer. Leaving the hospital milieu in the 1970s, he would later help to establish standards and regulations for medical devices and instruments at Health and Welfare Canada. His unrelenting efforts to improve the well-being of patients have greatly enhanced the quality of life for many.
Michael Maclear, O.C.Toronto, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
Michael Maclear is a broadcasting pioneer known for his journalistic independence and integrity. While working for the CBC, he reported from 80 countries and served as its first Far East correspondent. During the Vietnam War, he was the first Westerner allowed into North Vietnam and the first to interview American prisoners of war in captivity. He later hosted Maclear, a weekly documentary series on CTV, and served as the network's executive producer of current affairs. In addition, he broke new ground as one of Canada's first independent documentary filmmakers. Professionally fearless while personally kind and generous, he is revered as a role model whose work will be a touchstone for generations to come.
Jacob H. Masliyah, O.C.Edmonton, AlbertaOfficer of the Order of Canada
Jacob Masliyah has contributed to technological and scientific advancements in the oil sands industry for nearly three decades. Professor of chemical and materials engineering at the University of Alberta and holder of the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Oil Sands Engineering, he has been researching the complex interactions between oil, water and sand particles to improve oil recovery from Alberta's tar sands. Equally important, he has shared his knowledge with his students and colleagues, and has fostered partnerships with industry leaders. His scientific contributions, as well as his leadership in national collaborative programs, have brought significant benefits to the Canadian oil sands industry.
Jaymie M. Matthews, O.C.Vancouver, British ColumbiaOfficer of the Order of Canada
Jaymie Matthews' innovative contributions to space research and discovery have raised Canada's standing in the field of astrophysics. Professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of British Columbia, he is recognized internationally for his studies in stellar seismology, the use of star pulsations to probe their composition and history. He is mission scientist and principal investigator for the Canadian Space Agency's project MOST, Canada's first space telescope, which has brought new knowledge on the lifespan of distant stars and planets. Working with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, he has a talent for making complex ideas accessible, which has earned him the UBC Killam Teaching Prize and the Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Excellence in Teaching.
Gerald R. McMaster, O.C.Ottawa, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
Thought-provoking and influential, Gerald McMaster is a major figure in contemporary Aboriginal art. As a curator, artist and scholar, he has brought Indigenous art to the forefront of our cultural landscape. At the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and later, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, he created insightful, provocative and sometimes unconventional exhibitions of First Nations art, history and culture. He is also highly regarded as an artist, renowned for a body of work that uses satire and humour to challenge the stereotypes of Aboriginal peoples found in history and pop culture. He now champions historic and modern First Nations art as curator of Canadian art at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Dorothy M. Pringle, O.C.Toronto, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
Dorothy Pringle is a dynamic force who has been in the vanguard of the introduction of nurse scientists into the health care sector. Former senior researcher at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and executive lead of the Nursing and Health Outcomes Project for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, she is sought after throughout Canada and the United States for her expertise on aging. Professor emeritus and dean emeritus in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto, she sensitizes her students to the importance of providing quality care, particularly to the elderly, while validating nursing as a rewarding and noble career choice.
Ginette Lemire Rodger, O.C.Ottawa, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
Committed to advancing the nursing profession and the quality of health care, Ginette Lemire Rodger is one of the most influential voices of her profession. Her dynamic leadership in organizations such as the Canadian Nurses Association and the International Council of Nurses has provided her colleagues with a strong voice on health care policy and has influenced nursing practices in Canada and abroad. Currently senior vice-president of professional practice and chief nursing executive at the Ottawa Hospital, she initiated a national model of nursing recognized for its innovative approach to patient care. Truly an ambassador for Canadian nursing, she continues to serve as a role model and mentor.
Gerald W. Schwartz, O.C.Toronto, OntarioOfficer of the Order of Canada
Blending vision with pragmatism, Gerald Schwartz stands out as one of Canada's best examples of contemporary entrepreneurship. President and CEO of Onex Corporation, he has built his company into a diversified, Canadian-based financial success story. Engaged in the community, he is an active volunteer and quiet benefactor. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the University of Toronto, St. Francis Xavier University, Toronto's Sculpture Garden, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, and Eva's Initiatives, an organization that supports homeless youth.
Pamela Wallin, O.C., S.O.M.New York, New York, U.S.A. and Wadena, SaskatchewanOfficer of the Order of Canada
Pamela Wallin has excelled as a journalist, entrepreneur, diplomat and volunteer. One of Canada's best-known broadcast personalities, she headed CTV's Ottawa bureau in the 1980s, a breakthrough role for a woman. Also the first woman to co-anchor a nightly network television newscast, she later founded her own company, acting as producer and host for current affairs programming that aired across the country. More recently, she was highly regarded as the consul general for Canada in New York City, rebuilding critical trust after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. Generous with her time and knowledge, she helps to lead many organizations, including the Historica Foundation, the Wildlife Trust and the Banff Centre.
COMPANIONS
The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, P.C., C.C.Ottawa, Ontario and Shawinigan, QuebecCompanion of the Order of Canada
Before becoming Canada's 20th prime minister, Jean Chrétien had an active political career, holding a dozen ministerial portfolios. As justice minister, he was instrumental in repatriating the Constitution and adopting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As prime minister, he led the Liberal Party during three consecutive majority governments that stressed balanced budgets, national unity and Canada's place in the world. His government's legacy includes a number of social reform and humanitarian initiatives, such as recognition of same-sex unions and the abolition of landmines.
The Honourable Barnett (Barney) J. Danson, P.C., C.C.Toronto, OntarioCompanion of the Order of Canada
A celebrated veteran of the Second World War and former federal cabinet minister, Barney Danson has led a life of distinguished service to Canada. An advocate of veterans' issues, he spearheaded the establishment of the new Canadian War Museum. With its dramatic architecture and exhibits designed to help new generations understand the significance of our nation's military history, it stands as a lasting testament to the contribution made to world freedom by Canada. He has also applied his energy to helping Canadians affected by vision loss through his active involvement with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Sir Arthur Pearson Association of War Blinded Scholarship Fund. His selflessness and perseverance are an inspiration to all Canadians.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Rock Demers, C.C.Montreal, QuebecCompanion of the Order of Canada
A cinematic icon, Rock Demers enjoys an international reputation for his exceptional body of work. With his unforgettable "Contes pour tous" series, this producer built a varied repertoire. His feature films and documentaries have been screened around the world and have received nearly 200 awards and distinctions in Canada and abroad. His film Bach and Broccoli earned accolades from UNESCO, which called it a film that all the world's children should see with their parents. Very active in a number of arts organizations, he has devoted himself to the cinematic arts and to promoting cultural exchanges among young people the world over.
This is a promotion within the Order.
The Honourable Charles D. Gonthier, C.C.Outremont, QuebecCompanion of the Order of Canada
Throughout his very long legal career, Charles Gonthier distinguished himself as a model of respect and integrity within the judiciary, and as a champion of the concept of fraternity as a pillar of democracy. First as a lawyer and later as a judge in the Superior Court of Quebec, the Quebec Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada, he was always considered the conscience of the court. He also devoted himself to numerous associations outside of his legal duties, always paying special attention to the continuing education of young judges and lawyers. Now retired, he continues to work for the rights of others, in particular with the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law at McGill University.
ANNEX C 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) Dr. Patricia A. Baird, O.C., O.B.C.Mr. Yvan Guindon, C.M., Ph.D., m.r.s.c., President, The Royal Society of Canada: The Academies Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada Ms. Karen Kain, C.C., Chair, The Canada Council for the ArtsMrs. 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 CabinetMr. L. Jacques Ménard, O.C.Mr. J.E. (Ted) Newall, O.C.Mr. Thomas D. Traves, Ph.D., 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.
