Media Advisory - Governor General to Invest 35 Recipients into the Order of Canada

OTTAWA, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will invest 7 Officers and 28 Members into the Order of Canada on Friday, February 1, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at Rideau Hall. The investiture ceremony will be streamed live online at www.gg.ca/en/live.

About the Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is one of our country's highest civilian honours. Its Companions, Officers and Members take to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country").

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Those who bear the Order's iconic snowflake insignia have changed our nation's measure of success and, through the sum of their accomplishments, have helped us build a better Canada.

Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. For more information about the Order of Canada or to nominate someone, visit www.gg.ca/en/honours.

A schedule of the ceremony, the list of recipients with citations, and a backgrounder on the Order of Canada are attached.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance with the
Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

Follow GGJuliePayette and RideauHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CEREMONY SCHEDULE

Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule:

9:45 a.m.:	Media arrive at Rideau Hall
10:30 a.m.:	Ceremony begins
	The Governor General speaks
	The Governor General presents the insignia of the Order of Canada
11:45 a.m.:	Interviews with recipients

RECIPIENTS' CITATIONS

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Sally Wishart Armstrong, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Sally Armstrong has inspired individuals the world over to be agents of change. A journalist, magazine editor and human rights activist, she has provided eyewitness reports of women and girls in conflict zones, notably turning her experiences in Afghanistan into bestselling books. She is credited with bringing international issues to the pages of women's magazines, and her compelling stories and documentaries have raised our collective consciousness. A sought-after speaker and advisor, she has served on international human rights panels and commissions.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Vernon Douglas Burrows, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Vernon Burrows has elevated oats to a world-class cereal grain. Over a career spanning 60 years at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, he developed numerous varieties of oats including AC-Gehl, the first fully hulless variety that is also safe for those with gluten sensitivities. His innovations have had a profound effect on the enhancement of the grain's nutritional value, production and accessibility. An ambassador for Canadian science, he has shared his expertise and specimen samples abroad, particularly in China, where he has helped make oats a viable crop alternative.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Julia Gersovitz, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

Julia Gersovitz is a world authority in conservation architecture. Co-founder of the firm EVOQ, she manages the company's many large-scale heritage restoration projects throughout the country. Her award-winning designs seek to incorporate contemporary needs with the protection of historic aspects by reconciling the two to create functional designs that conserve the unique features of landmark sites. Committed to sharing her knowledge, she is an adjunct professor at McGill University, a position she also held at Université de Montréal, and is often called upon by advisory bodies to share her expertise.

Raymond Laflamme, O.C.
Waterloo, Ontario

An extraordinary researcher and administrator, Raymond Laflamme has helped transform Waterloo into a global quantum powerhouse. Professor of physics and Research Chair at the University of Waterloo, he is the founding director of the Institute for Quantum Computing, a world-leading research centre. Beyond his exemplary leadership, he has also pioneered theoretical and experimental approaches to quantum information processing and quantum error correction. Through his efforts, he has helped position Canada at the forefront of the next revolution in this field.

Mary Law, O.C.
Cambridge, Ontario

Mary Law has changed the way we view disability. Her visionary approach to rehabilitation called for modifying the environment to suit the individual's needs—a transformative concept in the 1980s. As a professor at McMaster University, she is a pre-eminent leader in occupational therapy whose scholarship forms part of the field's research canon and has shaped clinical practice worldwide. She is also the co-founder of CanChild, a world-leading institute in childhood disability research and knowledge translation that champions the full participation of children with disabilities in society.

Brian Robertson, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

For half a century, Brian Robertson has devoted his time and energy to developing, showcasing and enhancing Canada's cultural landscape on-air, onscreen and onstage worldwide. He was a major force in a number of productions, including the iconic "Royal Canadian Air Farce" and such national award ceremonies as the Juno Awards and the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards. His passionate commitment to Canadian culture has instilled tremendous pride and ensured a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Michael Sefton, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Michael Sefton is a pioneer in regenerative medicine. A professor at the University of Toronto, he has made seminal contributions to the field, notably to the development of artificial organs and tissues. The impact of his work is vast and has advanced research in a wide range of areas, including transplantation, heart disease and diabetes. As director of the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, he reconfigured the organization as a leader in medicine and engineering, both in Canada and worldwide. A skilled mentor, he has inspired the next generation of biomedical engineers.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Jann Arden Richards, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

Singer-songwriter Jann Arden is a beloved Canadian entertainer. Over the course of her 25-year career, she has released numerous albums and memorable hit singles. Her long list of accolades includes several Juno awards, notably for Female Artist and Songwriter of the year. Charismatic, witty and candid, she is frequently in demand as a television host, broadcaster and public speaker. She further resonates with Canadians through her open and heartfelt writing, and through her generous support for a number of charities.

Mary Pat Armstrong, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Mary Pat Armstrong's visionary leadership has improved the lives of those facing adversity. Over 30 years ago, she helped establish Canada's first Ronald McDonald House and, subsequently, Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children with cancer. Later, she became a dedicated volunteer with Community Living Toronto, where she spearheaded the creation of LIGHTS, which promotes independent living for people with intellectual disabilities. Her contributions have offered the hope of a brighter future to many individuals and their families.

Marilyn Baillie, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Marilyn Baillie is devoted to the cause of literacy and to connecting children to the natural world around them. She has authored several children's science books and is a former editor of ChickaDEE magazine. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards, which, together with an annual prize created in her name, have enhanced the profile of Canadian books and authors. In addition, she is known for her generous support for the arts scene in Toronto, which has helped artists, theatre and culture to flourish in the city.

Réal Bérard, C.M.
Saint-Boniface, Manitoba

Through his talent and engagement, Réal Bérard has diversified the visual arts in Manitoba. The creator of cartoon character Cayouche and a cartoonist for La Liberté for over 30 years, he gives his contemporaries pause for thought on a range of topics. A prolific and generous artist, he works in virtually all artistic media to reveal the many facets of his culture and its traditions. Throughout his career, he has donated numerous works to fundraising initiatives in support of the Franco-Manitoban community.

Pierre Bourgie, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

With a passion for the visual arts and music, Pierre Bourgie is deeply committed to galvanizing Montréal's cultural scene. An accomplished businessman and philanthropist, he created the Arte Musica Foundation, which added a musical dimension to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' mandate, notably transforming a historic site into a concert hall. He also serves as a mentor and encourages philanthropy among young people and businesses. Several major Quebec corporations and organizations dedicated to culture have benefited from his leadership.

Helen Burstyn, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Helen Burstyn is a model of dedicated and thoughtful leadership of charitable and public institutions. Possessing a long record of civic engagement, she is recognized as a pillar of the Toronto community who has served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations in arts and culture, education, health and the environment. She has chaired such notable institutions as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Evergreen and The Walrus, and has promoted the arts through her support for the Toronto International Film Festival, the Canadian Opera Company and Luminato, among other notable endeavours.

Barry Callaghan, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Barry Callaghan is known for his wide range of literary works, including novels, short stories, essays and poems. As founder of the journal Exile: A Literary Quarterly and the Exile Editions publishing house, he has promoted Canadian literature, regardless of form, origin or language. Throughout his career, he has sought to raise the profile of Canadian authors around the world through publications, conferences and literary evenings.

Francis R. Cook, C.M.
North Augusta, Ontario

Francis Cook's contributions have broadened our knowledge of the Canadian ecosystem and its inhabitants, notably frogs. A renowned scientist, conservationist and museum specialist, he has been actively involved in amphibian and reptile research, as well as in conservation efforts, for over five decades. An active contributor to and long-time editor of The Canadian Field-Naturalist, a national ecological journal, he has published extensively on Canada's amphibians and reptiles, sparking our interest in these fascinating creatures.

W. Dale Dauphinee, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec and St. Andrews, New Brunswick

Dale Dauphinee has had a lasting impact on medical education in our country. For nearly 50 years, he has worked tirelessly to create and improve standards for testing and evaluating physicians both at home and abroad. With determined leadership and bold vision, he has created new alliances between provincial and national licensing bodies, introduced modern assessment concepts, and mentored younger generations of physicians. The legacy of his work will impact and benefit Canadians for years to come.

Gaston Déry, C.M.
Québec, Quebec

Gaston Déry has been committed to the environment and to showcasing our natural heritage for over 40 years. As a forestry engineer, he was the driving force behind the first policy to protect Quebec's green spaces. He has distinguished himself through his efforts to preserve the biodiversity of the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary, revitalizing and developing the Île-aux-Pommes and having it recognized as a nature reserve, thereby ensuring that it is protected in perpetuity. His dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development is a priceless legacy.

Richard Dicerni, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Richard Dicerni has been at the vanguard of many significant public policies. A brilliant strategist, he served federal and provincial governments of all political stripes, and was at the helm of both a Crown corporation and a media association. He played an integral role in the development of Canada's first national AIDS strategy, as well as policies in the burgeoning fields of telecommunications and science and technology. Testimony to his ethics and professionalism, he was recently called upon to lead Alberta's public service during a period of transition and modernization.

Stephanie Dixon, C.M.
Whitehorse, Yukon

Stephanie Dixon is a champion of inclusive sport. At home in the water since the age of two, she is a highly decorated Paralympic swimmer who has won a total of 19 medals. Out of the pool, she is a broadcaster, keynote speaker and mentor who shares her conviction in the power of sport to elevate and empower all Canadians. Noted for her positivity and candour about her own struggles, she continues to show us what it means to be truly whole in body and spirit.

James Eetoolook, C.M.
Taloyoak, Nunavut

James Eetoolook has been a tireless advocate for Inuit rights, culture and heritage for 45 years. As president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, he was involved in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement negotiations—a landmark achievement on the path to self-governance. He has also served on multiple boards, notably as chair of the Inuit Wildlife and Environment Council, and has taken part in many initiatives related to environmental and wildlife protection.

Nahum Gelber, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Nahum Gelber is a distinguished philanthropist who is committed to promoting the visual arts to a broader audience. An avid arts patron, he has served on the acquisition committees of the National Gallery of Canada and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and has been dedicated to building an illustrious national collection. Devoted to his community, he has made transformative gifts to Canadian education, notably to the law faculty library at McGill University, and has also contributed to numerous not-for-profit organizations.

Stéphane Grenier, C.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Val-des-Monts, Quebec

Following his own struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, Stéphane Grenier has become a champion for mental health. While still serving in the military, he spearheaded pioneering programs to support service members, veterans and families in crisis. Expanding his work to a larger audience, he was instrumental in bringing mental health injuries to the attention of government leaders, notably through his involvement in the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The founder of Mental Health Innovations, he continues to implement peer support programs in workplaces and public health systems.

Norman E. Hébert, C.M.
Westmount, Quebec

Norman Hébert is an exceptional business and philanthropic leader in Montréal. President and CEO of the Park Avenue Group, he grew the company into one of the largest independent automobile dealerships in Quebec. Through his contributions as a great proponent of improved communications and mediation within the industry, he has established better relations between retail dealerships and automobile manufacturers. His strong commitment to building vibrant and caring communities is seen in his leadership of important fundraising campaigns, notably for the Centraide of Greater Montreal.

Robert Stephen Hogg, C.M.
Roberts Creek, British Columbia

Robert Hogg is improving outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS. A professor at Simon Fraser University and a senior research scientist at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, he has critically examined and illuminated the impact of socio-demographic factors on HIV prognosis. He has been a strong advocate for increased access to antiretroviral therapy, particularly among disenfranchised populations. He is also advancing best practices in HIV treatment as the principal investigator of the Canadian Observational Cohort, a national collaborative analysis of HIV treatment outcomes.

Dale Howard Lastman, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Dale Lastman has shaped our country's legal sector and sports landscape with boundless enthusiasm. As chair of one of Canada's largest law firms, he is renowned for his many landmark achievements, including a historic deal between competitors BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc. for co-ownership of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. He has also been recognized for his philanthropy, notably in support of mental health initiatives, and for his advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

Joseph Lebovic, C.M.
Wolf Lebovic, C.M.
Aurora, Ontario

Joseph and Wolf Lebovic have been drivers of economic growth and community development in the Toronto area for over 60 years. Since surviving the holocaust and arriving in Canada, these brothers have built homes together, gradually expanding their operations to include high rises, condominiums, and commercial and industrial buildings. Known for their philanthropy, they have made monumental donations, notably to the Mount Sinai Hospital and to the establishment of a thriving Jewish community centre in Toronto's York region.

The insignia awarded to Mr. Wolf Lebovic will be presented to him at a future ceremony.

Marie McAndrew, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Marie McAndrew is renowned for her expertise in the sociology of ethnic relations in Canada. Professor emerita at the Université de Montréal, she has focused her research on the importance of education in creating a more inclusive Canadian society. She has been instrumental in promoting culturally relevant educational strategies and school curricula for immigrant students in Quebec. She has been actively involved in university- and government-based research groups that have influenced decision makers' views on immigration policy.

Raymond Michael Murphy, C.M., O.P.E.I.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Raymond Murphy is a pillar of the community in Prince Edward Island. With the purchase of a single pharmacy in 1981, he launched Murphy's Pharmacies, which has evolved into a province-wide health care resource with a mission to support healthier communities. His dedication to the advancement and well-being of his fellow Islanders is evident in his mentorship of young entrepreneurs and in his support for a broad range of community initiatives. Notably, he transformed the former Basilica Recreation Centre in Charlottetown into a popular community gathering point.

Frances Olson, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta

For decades, Fran Olson has worked to improve the quality of life for her fellow citizens. A trailblazer and devoted community volunteer, she founded Edmonton's Festival of Trees and was the first woman to chair the University Hospital Foundation. She is known for her keen ability to raise funds for and connect individuals to various charitable causes. Her long-standing service has helped raise awareness and funds for major health care efforts and support for initiatives in the arts, education and entrepreneurship.

Harold Walter Orr, C.M.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Harold Orr's efforts have been integral to improving energy efficiency and conservation in Canadian homes. As a housing engineer with the National Research Council, he was a key driver of the Saskatchewan Conservation House project, which led to the establishment of new national energy conservation protocols for Canadian buildings. His innovations, which include new insulation techniques and materials, air sealing and efficient ventilation, blower-door testing and heat recycling, serve as worldwide models for energy-efficient housing.

Kathleen Isabel Pritchard, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Kathleen Pritchard is an internationally renowned oncologist whose work has been at the forefront of treatments for women with early stage breast cancer. Professor emerita at the University of Toronto and a senior scientist at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, she is a prominent leader in clinical trials of adjuvant and hormonal therapy. Her studies have helped predict cancer recurrence and reduce breast cancer mortality rates. A well-known fixture on scientific advisory boards and data monitoring committees, she mentors oncologists in Canada and abroad.

Judith Sayers, C.M.
Port Alberni, British Columbia

Judith Sayers is a powerful voice for sustainable energy development in Indigenous communities. For over a decade, she served as chief of the Hupacasath First Nation, where she spearheaded the development of a run-of-river renewable energy project that has generated economic growth and employment opportunities. An outspoken advocate for energy development that respects Indigenous rights, she has hosted conferences and workshops to impart best practices, and developed a toolkit to guide other communities in implementing clean energy projects of their own.

Douglas Stenton, C.M.
Chatham, Ontario

Douglas Stenton has helped preserve the cultural legacy of Canada's North. As Nunavut's first official archaeologist, he served as executive director of the Inuit Heritage Trust and as the territory's longest-serving director of heritage. In these roles, he was instrumental in shaping legislation to protect the rich history of the people of Nunavut. In addition, his research and investigations of sites containing evidence of Sir John Franklin's expedition contributed to the historic discovery of HMS Erebus in 2014.

Father John Emmett Walsh, C.M.
LaSalle, Quebec

Father John Emmett Walsh has been devoted to serving his community for more than 50 years. He displays a profound ability to forge ties and dialogue between faith communities. On the airwaves and through printed and electronic media, he brings people together, fosters exchanges, and promotes understanding and reconciliation. A tireless supporter of various causes, he advocates for the homeless through the Nazareth Community and is the co-founder of the PROCURE Walk of Courage, which raises awareness of and funds for the fight against prostate cancer.

Calvin A. White, C.M., O.N.L.
Flat Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador

Calvin White has been involved in Indigenous advocacy for nearly 50 years. He travelled throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to help organize Indigenous communities into a central association that would later become the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. With steadfast conviction and determination, he challenged legislation before the courts that eventually led to the establishment of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band. An Elder and cultural mentor to his community and to Mi'kmaq across the province, he strives to preserve and celebrate their unique identity.

ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.

Motto and Levels

The Order of Canada's motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country"). Her Majesty The Queen is the Sovereign of the Order, and the governor general is the chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Companion – Post-nominal: C.C.
recognizes national pre-eminence or international service or achievement;

Officer – Post-nominal: O.C.
recognizes national service or achievement; and

Member – Post-nominal: C.M.
recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity.

Insignia Description

The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country"), surmounted by the Royal Crown. It is struck in fine silver and is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, annulus and maple leaf. The colour is added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent enamel.

The design of the insignia of the Order of Canada dates from 1967, and is credited to Bruce Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D. The technical drawings used by the Royal Canadian Mint in this new generation of the insignia were developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority at the Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The insignia is manufactured by the Mint at its Ottawa facility.

Eligibility

All Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges while in office. The Order's constitution permits non-Canadians to be considered for honorary appointments. Members of the Royal Family, governors general and their spouses are appointed in the extraordinary category. There are no posthumous appointments.  

Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievement, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada. Usually, promotions are considered five years after the first appointment.

Nominations

Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the Order of Canada. 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. 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.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Media information: Sara Régnier-McKellar, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569 (office), 613-301-2465 (cell), [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.gg.ca/