December 8, 2008
OTTAWA-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will preside over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, December 12, 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 two companions, 14 officers and 31 members.
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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.
Media Information
Marie-Paule Thorn
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569 or
1-800-465-6890
www.gg.ca / www.citizenvoices.gg.ca /en/
ANNEX A - SCHEDULE
Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule:
10:00 a.m.: Media arrive at Rideau Hall
10:30 a.m.: Ceremony begins
Entrance of Their Excellencies
The Governor General speaks
The Governor General presents the insignia (Members first, followed by Officers and Companions)
Noon: Media interviews with recipients
ANNEX B - RECIPIENTS
MEMBRES
| Garry W. Anderson, C.M. |
Cranbrook (C.-B.) |
| Peter Aucoin, C.M. |
Halifax (N.-É.) |
| John Barron, C.M. |
Komoka (Ont.) |
| Sœur Jeanne d'Arc Bouchard, C.M., C.Q. |
Roberval (Qc) |
| Peter G. Buckland, C.M. |
North Vancouver (C.-B.) |
| Michael Clague, C.M. |
Vancouver (C.-B.) |
| Mallory Gilbert, C.M. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| Frieda Silber Granot, C.M. |
Vancouver (C.B.) |
| Walter Gretzky, C.M., O.Ont. |
Brantford (Ont.) |
| Valerie Hussey, C.M. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| Laurent Lapierre, C.M. |
Montréal, (Qc) |
| L'honorable Patrick J. LeSage, C.M. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| Karen Letofsky, C.M. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| Patricia Ann MacCuspie, C.M. |
Truro (N.-É.) |
| John T. Mayberry, C.M. |
Burlington (Ont.) |
| Patricia O'Connor, C.M. |
Yellowknife (T.N.-O.) |
| Irene E. Pfeiffer, C.M. |
Okotoks (Alb.) |
| Kenneth Poyser, C.M. |
Edmonton (Alb.) |
| Derek Arthur Price, C.M. |
Westmount (Qc) |
| Bruce Pullan, C.M. |
Delta (C.B.) |
| Ray V. Rajotte, C.M., A.O.E., M.S.M. |
Edmonton (Alb.) |
| Hartley T. Richardson, C.M. |
Winnipeg (Manitoba) |
| Mark H. Rowswell, C.M. |
Thornhill (Ont.) |
| Bernard Savoie, C.M. |
Moncton (N.-B.) |
| Michael D. Scott, C.M., C.D. |
Sooke (C.B.) |
| Paul Shaffer, C.M. |
Bedford, New York (É.-U.A.) et Thunder Bay (Ont.) |
| Douglas A. Smith, C.M. |
Gore Bay (Ont.) |
| Sœur Margaret Vickers, C.M. |
Vancouver (C.B.) et Saint John (N.-B.) |
| Anne Wieler, C.M. |
Ottawa (Ont.) |
| Wilfrid Wilkinson, C.M. |
Trenton (Ont.) |
| Richard B. Wright, C.M. |
St. Catharines (Ont.) |
OFFICIERS
| Raymond Breton, O.C. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| Joan Clark, O.C. |
Mont-Royal (Qc) |
| David A. Dodge, O.C. |
Ottawa (Ont.) |
| Jean-Marie Dufour, O.C., O.Q. |
Montréal (Qc) |
| Deborah Grey, O.C. |
Edmonton (Alb.) |
| L'honorable E. Leo Kolber, O.C. |
Westmount (Qc) |
| Joanne MacDonald, O.C., O.N.L. |
St. John's (T.-N.-L.) |
| Alex Neve, O.C. |
Ottawa (Ont.) |
| Adrianne Pieczonka, O.C. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| Richard J. Puddephatt, O.C. |
London (Ont.) |
| Muriel Smith, O.C. |
Winnipeg (Man.) |
| Steven Staryk, O.C. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
| David Sweet, O.C. |
Vancouver (C.B.) |
| Paul Thompson, O.C. |
Toronto (Ont.) |
COMPAGNONS
| L'honorable John Charles (Jack) Major, C.C. |
Calgary (Alb.) |
| Preston Manning, C.C. |
Calgary (Alb.) |
MEMBRES
Garry W. Anderson, C.M.
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Member of the Order of Canada
Garry Anderson has raised awareness of, and appreciation for, the architectural and historical uniqueness of Canada's railway heritage. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Foundation, and founded the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, where he currently serves as executive director. Thanks to his unrelenting efforts and steadfast dedication, this museum is now one of the most important of its kind in North America, showcasing an unparalleled collection of historic railway passenger cars. His initiatives have provided important economic and cultural development for this small community.
Peter Aucoin, C.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Member of the Order of Canada
Peter Aucoin has been a leading scholar of public management and government for over 30 years. Professor in the Department of Political Science and School of Public Administration at Dalhousie University, he has produced research and writings that promote innovation and excellence in public service and governance. Known for his integrity and sound judgment, he has served in an advisory capacity at all levels of government in Canada. A mentor to countless students, he has also served with distinction in many professional organizations.
John Barron, C.M.
Komoka, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
John Barron has helped to revolutionize music education in elementary schools in his province. He adapted the Kodaly method-which teaches musical literacy through singing, games, movement and folk songs-and featured Canadian material as a key learning tool. He has also brought international acclaim to Canada as a co-founder of one of the world's premier youth choirs, the award-winning Amabile Youth Singers. He serves as a model for other conductors and is known for his generosity in helping to develop and promote Canadian composers.
Sister Jeanne-d'Arc Bouchard, C.M., C.Q.
Roberval, Quebec
Member of the Order of Canada
Jeanne-d'Arc Bouchard has devoted her life to helping people addicted to alcohol and drugs. At the beginning of the 1960s, this determined nurse created Quebec's first structured, public rehabilitation program designed to help people living with addictions and their families. For 22 years, she was in charge of the Saint-Antoine unit at the Roberval hospital, where the program was housed. With the same kindness she has always shown, she continues to help those who need her support today. Her pioneering philosophy and ways of getting things done have made her an inspiration to others. An award of excellence has been created in her name by the Association des intervenants en toxicomanie du Québec.
Peter G. Buckland, C.M.
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Member of the Order of Canada
A structural engineer who is widely recognized for his innovative thinking, Peter Buckland has made significant contributions to Canadian engineering for more than 30 years. Co-founder of one of the world's pre-eminent bridge engineering firms, he has been involved in the design, construction and rehabilitation of more than 100 bridges in Canada and abroad, including the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Moreover, he has been instrumental in modernizing North American bridge codes and specifications to ensure their safety and durability.
Michael Clague, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Member of the Order of Canada
Compassionate, innovative and committed, Michael Clague has been tireless in his efforts to improve the lives of society's most disadvantaged members. For decades, he worked in community development at the local, provincial and national levels. He is perhaps best known as the driving force behind Vancouver's Britannia Community Service Centre, and as the creative, resourceful former head of the Carnegie Community Centre, in the troubled Downtown Eastside. Bringing diverse interests together, particularly through arts programming, he supported the efforts of residents to strengthen their sense of community and possibility.
Mallory Gilbert, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Mallory Gilbert has played a pivotal role in the existence of a vital local and national theatre scene. With indomitable passion, she served as general manager for most of her 34 years with Toronto's Tarragon Theatre, an institution known for its development of Canadian playwrights, and which she helped to flourish. She has also been a key player in the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and the Creative Trust, and helps to steer numerous other theatre groups. In addition, she is sought after by colleges, universities and municipal government to serve on advisory boards relating to theatre and the arts.
Frieda Silber Granot, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Member of the Order of Canada
Frieda Granot has been an exemplary leader, role model and catalyst for change in post-secondary education and interdisciplinary research in Canada. As the first female dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of British Columbia, she has been a pioneer in the development and implementation of the interdisciplinary approach to graduate education and academic research. Her vision and leadership have helped to shape the institution into a top North American research university that now serves as a model emulated by many national and international organizations.
Walter Gretzky, C.M., O.Ont.
Brantford, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Canada's best-known hockey dad, Walter Gretzky is also a man who consistently finds ways of giving back to the community. Always generous with his time and energy, he has helped a myriad of charitable and non-profit organizations as a volunteer and fundraiser, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He remains committed to supporting numerous civic and sporting events, and, with dedication and generosity of spirit, he continues to strengthen his community.
Valerie Hussey, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Countless children have begun the great journey with words thanks to the efforts of Valerie Hussey. In the late 1970s, she took over Kids Can Press and gradually turned it into the largest Canadian-owned publisher of fiction and non-fiction books for children. She focused on Canadian authors and illustrators, helping individuals to hone their craft and bringing their names and stories to international attention. She is also a committed volunteer who has worked with industry and non-profit organizations such as the Canadian Children's Book Centre, the Canadian Women's Foundation, the Tides Foundation and Women's College Hospital.
Laurent Lapierre, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Member of the Order of Canada
Renowned educator and holder of the Pierre-Péladeau Leadership Chair at HEC Montréal, formerly known as École des hautes études commerciales, Laurent Lapierre is known for his commitment to the arts and to promoting their importance in contemporary societies. His innovative approach to education and management has led to some important initiatives, such as the creation of the Groupe de recherche et de formation en gestion des arts. His research and teaching methods are prized by professors of administration as a practical model in a number of disciplines.
The Honourable Patrick J. LeSage, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Known for his wisdom and compassion, Patrick LeSage has been an outstanding leader in the legal profession. He began his career as a Crown attorney and later rose through the ranks of the judiciary to serve as a chief justice of the Ontario Superior Court. For more than 28 years, he presided over some of the most complex and publicized cases in Canada, and earned the reputation of being one of our country's best trial judges. Following his retirement from the bench, he conducted an extensive review of Ontario's police complaints system. He continues to provide wise counsel as a mediator, arbitrator and mentor.
Karen Letofsky, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
A woman of courage and compassion, Karen Letofsky has dedicated her career and voluntary service to supporting those devastated by tragic and unexpected loss. In 1979, she established the pioneering Survivor Support Program, which offers counselling to individuals and families bereaved by the suicide of a loved one. Currently executive director of the Distress Centres of Toronto, she continues to administer this and other innovative community-based programs to assist people who are at risk or in distress.
Patricia Ann MacCuspie, C.M.
Truro, Nova Scotia
Member of the Order of Canada
As an educator, researcher and activist, Ann MacCuspie has had a positive and strong influence on blind and visually impaired youth. A former director with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority, she established a national benchmark with the development of a curriculum for visually impaired children. She has also designed programs to help integrate blind children into mainstream schools and communities. Her expertise has been sought after by professional organizations, and she has taught the next generation of teachers in this specialized field. She is greatly respected for encouraging blind and visually impaired youth to embrace their abilities and to be their own advocates.
John T. Mayberry, C.M.
Burlington, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Leadership and commitment are trademarks of John Mayberry's life. Former head of Dofasco, he positioned the company as a leader in its field. He also promoted environmentally sound initiatives that stressed good stewardship, sustainable growth and active participation in the local community. Thanks to his foresight, Dofasco set the benchmark for industrial responsibility. His exceptional managerial skills earned him a seat on a number of boards, and he was the first Canadian chair of the American Iron and Steel Institute. He has generously given of his time to a number of fundraising campaigns and organizations in Hamilton, including Mohawk College, the YMCA and the United Way. Now retired, he remains engaged in building strong communities and has endowed a scholarship at McMaster University.
Patricia O'Connor, C.M.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Member of the Order of Canada
Patricia O'Connor is a trailblazer in the field of paramedical care and a role model for female entrepreneurs. She began her career as the first nurse and only woman on Ontario's first team of flight paramedics. Seeing a need for this type of service in Canada's North, she went on to become the founder, owner and operator of a medevac service that has been operating there for over 23 years. She also designs and teaches training and survival courses for flight nurses and air medical care providers. During her time in the North, she has been at the forefront of developing and implementing standards and protocols for the health system in Canada's arctic.
Irene E. Pfeiffer, C.M.
Okotoks, Alberta
Member of the Order of Canada
Irene Pfeiffer has demonstrated a deep commitment to helping others and to sharing her knowledge as a volunteer for more than 30 years. Drawing on her experience as a management consultant, she helps steer several health and community organizations, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the Mustard Seed Street Ministry. An exemplary leader, she has also had a significant influence on many other organizations, including UNICEF Canada, the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Canadian Aboriginal Achievement Awards.
Kenneth Poyser, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
Member of the Order of Canada
For four decades, Kenneth Poyser has worked to improve the lives of those with hemophilia in Canada and abroad while overcoming the challenges of the disease himself. He was instrumental in establishing innovative comprehensive care clinics for hemophiliacs in Edmonton and Calgary. As president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, he oversaw the creation of several more clinics across the country. In addition, he established a fund that provides financial support for research on the disease in Canada, and he has contributed to the creation of international programs that help developing countries assist their citizens living with hemophilia.
Derek A. Price, C.M.
Westmount, Quebec
Member of the Order of Canada
Derek Price's remarkable leadership in the philanthropic sector has benefited Canadians at the local, provincial and national levels. As the chief executive of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation for more than 15 years, he provided vital support to numerous cultural and health care institutions, including the Canadian War Museum and the McGill University Health Centre. He continues to be an active leader with a wide variety of organizations, including the Montréal Children's Hospital and the McCord Museum of Canadian History.
Bruce Pullan, C.M.
Delta, British Columbia
Member of the Order of Canada
An innovative leader, Bruce Pullan is highly regarded for his contributions to choral music on the West Coast. With seemingly boundless energy, he simultaneously serves as associate professor and director of choirs at the University of British Columbia; as music director of the Vancouver Bach Choir; and as founder and director of several children's and youth choirs. He has nurtured many young and emerging artists, and has introduced thousands of children and young people to the joy of vocal music.
Ray V. Rajotte, C.M., A.O.E., M.S.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
Member of the Order of Canada
A biomedical engineer and professor of surgery and medicine at the University of Alberta, Ray Rajotte has dedicated his career to finding a cure for diabetes. In 2000, the University's Islet Transplantation Group, which he founded, achieved international acclaim for developing a treatment capable of freeing severe diabetics from insulin injections. Moreover, he was instrumental in the development of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation and of the newly created, world-class research facility, the Alberta Diabetes Institute, of which he was the founding scientific director. An inspiration to both students and peers, he continues to advance knowledge in his field.
Hartley T. Richardson, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Member of the Order of Canada
Passionate about the community in which he lives, Hartley Richardson has channelled his business acumen, influence and resources into a broad spectrum of initiatives. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the bid to bring the 1999 Pan Am Games to Winnipeg, and he helped lead a campaign that raised millions of dollars for the University of Manitoba. A patron of the arts, he developed the popular Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and the Pavilion Gallery Museum in Assiniboine Park. He has also played a key role with the CNIB in improving access to library services for the visually impaired across the country.
Mark H. Rowswell, C.M.
Thornhill, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Mark Rowswell uses his extraordinary talents for comedy and language to build bridges of understanding between Canada and China. Dashan, as he is known by millions of adoring Chinese fans, is a cultural phenomenon, famous for his mastery of the complex art of xiangsheng, a form of witty repartee. He lends his fame in support of a number of charitable causes. In collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society and various Chinese health organizations, he promotes the benefits of smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle choices. An unofficial ambassador for Canada, he has been uniting our peoples through laughter, understanding and goodwill for the past two decades.
Bernard Savoie, C.M.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Member of the Order of Canada
In his native Saint-Quentin, in the heart of the forests of northwestern New Brunswick, Bernard Savoie is a legend. For close to 50 years, this family doctor practiced with extraordinary dedication and was a very active volunteer in his community. He was, among other things, the founder and chair of the local Club Richelieu, and chair of the school board and chamber of commerce. He also co-founded the Fanfare de Saint-Quentin, which he directed for many years. In addition to helping maintain and improve health care services in his region, this proud Acadian has played an active role in various professional organizations and associations.
Michael D. Scott, C.M., C.D.
Sooke, British Columbia
Member of the Order of Canada
Michael Scott, an astute businessman gifted with leadership and vision, is also a dedicated volunteer. As former president and chief executive officer of PBB Global Logistics, he helped to expand the strategic growth of the company's customs brokerage services as well as promote Canadian business opportunities in China. For more than three decades, he has provided dedicated support and leadership to the Scouting movement, where he served as chief commissioner and chairman of Scouts Canada's board of governors.
Paul Shaffer, C.M.
Bedford, New York, U.S.A. and Thunder Bay, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
As an internationally renowned musician and band leader, Paul Shaffer proudly showcases Canadian talent to the world. For more than 25 years, he has been the musical director and comic foil on the Late Show with David Letterman. He has shared his time and talents with a variety of organizations from across the nation, including Epilepsy Canada, the Kiwanis Music Festivals of Canada and Lakehead University, and has organized and performed in numerous benefit concerts throughout North America.
Douglas A. Smith, C.M.
Gore Bay, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Douglas Smith has made important and lasting contributions to economic and social development in northern Ontario. As founder of Manitoulin Transport, he provided stable employment and created spin-off economic benefits for the residents of Manitoulin Island by maintaining his national trucking company's head office in this rural region. He is also a generous philanthropist who has ensured that health care, sporting, cultural and charitable groups can continue to offer services and programs to those living in northern communities.
Sister Margaret Vickers, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia and Saint John, New Brunswick
Member of the Order of Canada
For more than 50 years, Margaret Vickers has been committed to bringing innovation to health care services in Canada. As a senior hospital administrator in New Brunswick, she introduced many new beneficial services for patients and their families, including a community health centre and a diagnostic hostel that helped to reduce the use of acute-care beds. She continues to contribute to the health care system as a board member, volunteer and fundraiser, notably with Providence Health Care in Vancouver.
Anne H. Wieler, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
A former nurse, educator and administrator, Anne Wieler has helped to improve the quality of life of countless individuals throughout northern Canada and around the world. Her legacy in the North is that of improved, more accessible and more culturally sensitive health care for Native peoples. An expert in service delivery and an early specialist in HIV/AIDS education, she has had a powerful influence internationally and remains a respected and sought-after advisor to governments, NGOs and grassroots organizations. In addition, she has long been a dedicated volunteer with organizations such as the Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health and the Canadian Public Health Association.
Wilfrid Wilkinson, C.M.
Trenton, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Integrity, commitment and service are the hallmarks of Wilfrid Wilkinson's contributions to his community. For more than 45 years, he has been an active volunteer with organizations such as the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, Loyalist College and the Prince Edward-Hastings Habitat for Humanity. A retired accountant, he has also shared his expertise as a fundraiser, leading capital campaigns for groups such as the Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial Museum and the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation. During his tenure as president of Rotary International, the first Canadian to hold this position in 55 years, he led the advancement of Rotary's humanitarian work in Africa and Afghanistan.
Richard B. Wright, C.M.
St. Catharines, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada
Richard Wright is one of our nation's most highly regarded writers of fiction. A thoughtful storyteller, he has engaged his readers with tales of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. His novels are renowned for featuring contemporary Canadian characters who reflect our own experiences and struggles with love, friendship and loss. Canadian literature has been enriched by his work, notably with his novel Clara Callan, which won both the Giller Prize and the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction.
OFFICERS
Raymond Breton, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
An internationally renowned researcher and professor, Raymond Breton stands out as one of Canada's most eminent sociologists. His groundbreaking work has helped shape the direction of Canadian sociology for the last four decades. His research on matters of ethnic and linguistic diversity has played a significant role in helping Canadians to understand the impact of multiculturalism on our society. This work has furthermore contributed to the vitality of francophone minorities throughout Canada. He has also had a direct influence on social policy through his work with numerous governmental commissions. In addition, his work with organizations such as the Institute for Research on Public Policy has had a marked impact far beyond Canada's borders.
Joan Clark, O.C.
Mount Royal, Quebec
Officer of the Order of Canada
A pioneer for women in the legal profession, Joan Clark has also been a major force in the animal protection movement. A prominent patent lawyer, she has set important precedents for women to hold leadership positions in law firms. She has also served as the first woman president of several national and international professional associations in the field of intellectual property. As well, she has helped lead non-profit animal welfare organizations and was a major force behind the creation and implementation of a groundbreaking animal protection law in Quebec. She also played a key role in bringing about national standards regarding the use of animals in research.
David A. Dodge, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
Through a distinguished and varied career, David Dodge has demonstrated intelligent leadership in the areas of Canadian economic and monetary policy. A former professor of economics and deputy minister of finance, he was one of the principal architects of Canada's current fiscal and monetary policies. As an outspoken and forthright governor of the Bank of Canada, he was known for his calm guidance through otherwise turbulent times, and for his efforts to clearly and directly communicate the Bank's policies and other economic issues to the Canadian public.
Jean-Marie Dufour, O.C., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec
Officer of the Order of Canada
An economist and statistician, Jean-Marie Dufour is one of the most eminent econometricians in the world. He holds the William Dow Chair in economics at McGill University and is a recipient of a Bank of Canada fellowship. He is as renowned for the originality of his theoretical contributions as he is for the variety of his applied research. His work is especially important in macroeconomic and financial data analysis, economic forecasting, and policy evaluation. He has been awarded a number of prestigious scientific awards and is the only scholar in Canada to have had the honour of being elected fellow of both the Econometric Society and the American Statistical Association. Very active in various scientific organizations, he is also an excellent educator who shares his passion for excellence with all his students.
Deborah Grey, O.C.
Edmonton, Alberta
Officer of the Order of Canada
Known for being a dedicated parliamentarian and an outspoken advocate for youth, education and democratic reform, Deborah Grey is a role model for women in politics. She sat as the sole member of Parliament for the former Reform Party of Canada for several years and was instrumental in building the party to its pinnacle of 52 seats. She has also been influential in the formation and success of the new Conservative Party of Canada. Beyond the sphere of politics, she has demonstrated her commitment to youth and education as a foster parent, teacher and public speaker.
The Honourable E. Leo Kolber, O.C.
Westmount, Quebec
Officer of the Order of Canada
For more than 40 years, Leo Kolber has been a contributor to Canada's business, political and social landscapes. A former long-time adviser to the Bronfman family, he is known for having established the Cadillac Fairview Corporation, and has shared his business acumen and insights as a member of many corporate boards over the years. During his distinguished service in the Senate, he served as a long-term member and chair of the Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce. Acknowledged as a pillar of his community, he has been a tireless volunteer and generous benefactor to a myriad of social, cultural and health care organizations and causes.
Joanne MacDonald, O.C., O.N.L.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Officer of the Order of Canada
A powerful role model, Joanne MacDonald has spent decades fighting to improve accessibility for disabled persons and to making Canada more inclusive. After achieving outstanding success as an elite wheelchair athlete, she became an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, helping to empower her peers by challenging stereotypes and promoting equality. As a member of various organizations at the provincial and national levels, she has been a key contributor to the development of the independent living movement.
Alex Neve, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
A lawyer who now heads Amnesty International Canada's English branch, Alex Neve is at the vanguard of the drive for a safe and just world. Admired for his ethics and commitment, he has helped bring positive change to law and policy at home and abroad. In the 1990s, he helped persuade the Tanzanian government to end the deportation of Burundian refugees, many of whom were being killed on their return. He has fought for the rights of Native peoples internationally and, in Canada, has shone a light on violence against Native women. As well, he has drawn critical attention to individual human rights cases such as that of Maher Arar, helping to precipitate government action.
Adrianne Pieczonka, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
One of the top opera singers of her generation, soprano Adrianne Pieczonka has performed in a variety of roles in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses. In recent years, she has developed a growing reputation as a Wagnerian superstar. Her rich, flexible and powerful voice has been called "luminous" and "radiant," and her international following and acclaim continue to grow.
Richard J. Puddephatt, O.C.
London, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
Internationally recognized for his research in organometallic chemistry, Richard Puddephatt is a distinguished university professor at the University of Western Ontario and former holder of a Canada research chair in material synthesis. Over the past three decades, he has been studying the fundamental chemistry of gold and other precious metals in the development of new materials for potential applications in health care and electronics. Moreover, he has served with distinction in many professional organizations and has been a mentor to countless young scientists.
Muriel Smith, O.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Officer of the Order of Canada
Muriel Smith has dedicated her life to promoting social justice in Canada and around the world. As a provincial cabinet minister, she spearheaded initiatives such as a publicly funded, accessible childcare system. She has been a trailblazer and a mentor for women in politics. In addition, she has been an ardent volunteer for over four decades. She served as president of the United Nations Association in Canada and has helped to lead the National Council of Women, Empowering Women of Burma and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, among many other organizations.
Steven Staryk, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
Steven Staryk is regarded as one of Canada's great violinists. He has been concertmaster with four world-famous orchestras, is one of the most-recorded Canadian classical musicians, and was a prolific performer in both North America and Europe for over 50 years. An eminent advocate of Canadian composers, he premiered numerous works for solo violin and orchestra and, as a celebrated teacher and mentor, he helped many young musicians take their place on the world stage.
David Sweet, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Officer of the Order of Canada
David Sweet is a world leader in forensic odontology-the science of victim identification using dental charts and analysis of teeth and bite marks. Based at the University of British Columbia, he is a teacher, researcher, administrator and consultant who has developed methods of retrieving DNA that have been described as revolutionary. He is also the driving force behind North America's first facility devoted exclusively to research and instruction in the use of forensic dentistry for crime investigation and prosecution. His expertise has been called upon in high-profile cases at home and abroad, and he regularly assists INTERPOL, as well as police departments and coroners' offices across North America.
Paul Thompson, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Officer of the Order of Canada
Paul Thompson has had a profound influence on Canadian theatre. Former artistic director at Toronto's Theatre Passe Muraille, he produced over 170 new plays during his tenure. He has also been credited by well-known actors, writers, directors and playwrights with launching their careers. He is known for taking theatre to the people, and, with The Farm Show, proved that theatre can happen anywhere, even in barns. As well, he has developed "collective creation", where a script evolves by incorporating the actors' research and improvisations. Now a freelance director and producer, he continues to bring the voices and stories of both ordinary and extraordinary Canadians to the stage.
COMPANIONS
The Honourable John Charles (Jack) Major, C.C..
Calgary, Alberta
Companion of the Order of Canada
Jack Major has made an indelible contribution to the administration of justice in Canada. A former lawyer and court of appeal judge for the province of Alberta, he served on a number of provincial commissions, codes of inquiry and as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada for 13 years. Following his retirement, he headed the Royal Commission investigating the circumstances surrounding the bombing of Air India Flight 182. While demonstrating compassion for the victims' families, he showed exemplary leadership in bringing to light new and important information that will help improve the safety of all Canadians for years to come.
Preston Manning, C.C.
Calgary, Alberta
Companion of the Order of Canada
Preston Manning has devoted his life to public service. Rising to prominence as founder of the Reform Party and leader of the Official Opposition, he steadfastly worked to give voice to the concerns of many Canadians and has tirelessly championed the cause of democratic and political reform. Since his retirement from politics, he has continued his contribution to public policy dialogue through his involvement with numerous research and consulting organizations, including the Fraser Institute, the Canada West Foundation, and the Manning Centre for Building Democracy, which he founded in 2005.
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 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 recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent 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.
