March 5, 2008
OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Officer of the Order of Canada to Liliane M. Stewart, O.C., O.Q., C.D., during a private ceremony held yesterday, at the Macdonald Stewart Foundation.
The following text is the official citation for Ms. Stewart, who was appointed on October 5, 2006.
Liliane M. Stewart, O.C., O.Q., C.D.
Montreal, Quebec
Officer of the Order of Canada
Liliane Stewart has an extraordinarily giving spirit. President of the Macdonald Stewart Foundation, she has been a benefactor to several universities in Canada, including McGill, McMaster, Prince Edward Island and the Université de Montréal. As well, she has supported research and building projects and the acquisition of specialized equipment for many hospitals. She is known as a true patron of the arts. In 2000, she donated one of the most important decorative art and design collections in North America to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. She is also devoted to the preservation of our historic and cultural heritage. Her efforts in this area extend to France, where she has helped to restore Jacques Cartier's manor and to preserve and restore l'Église St-Pierre de Brouage, Samuel de Champlain's birthplace.
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Marie-Paule Thorn
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569
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 civilian 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. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect 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.
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.
People who are not Canadian may be considered for honorary appointments.
