September 4, 2018

 Governor General to Invest 39 Recipients into the Order of Canada

OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will invest 8 Officers and 31 Members into the Order of Canada on Thursday, September 6, 2018,
at 10:30 a.m. at Rideau Hall. The investitures will be streamed live online at www.gg.ca.

About the Order of Canada

The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest 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 represent the ever-evolving definition of this country and continue to push back the limits of the impossible.

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/honours.

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

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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. Please note that the ceremony will take place outside on the forecourt of Rideau Hall.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the Tent Room.

Media information:

Sara Régnier-McKellar
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569 (office)
613-301-2465 (cell)
sara.regnier-mckellar@gg.ca

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

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Paul W. Armstrong, O.C.	Edmonton, Alta.
May Cohen, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Keith William Hipel, O.C.	Waterloo, Ont.
Sajeev John, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Alberto Manguel, O.C.	Dorchester, Ont. and New York, New York, U.S.A.
Anne Martin-Matthews, O.C.	Vancouver, B.C.
Rose M. Patten, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Ivan Barry Pless, O.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	Montréal, Que.

 

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Ross J. Beaty, C.M.	Vancouver, B.C.
Harry Bone, C.M.	Winnipeg, Man.
Abel Bosum, C.M.	Oujé-Bougoumou, Que.
Dionne Brand, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Meredith Chilton, C.M.	Lac-Brome, Que. and Toronto, Ont.
Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, C.M.	Wikwemikong First Nation, Ont.
Martha Crago, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Jean Pierre Desrosiers, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Joyce Doolittle, C.M.	Calgary, Alta.
Saul Feldberg, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Geoffrey Roy Fernie, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Carlo Fidani, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Oliver Gannon, C.M.	Surrey, B.C.
Martin Gleave, C.M.	Vancouver, B.C.
Minnie Grey, C.M., C.Q.	Kuujjuaq, Que.
Curtis Harnett, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
John W. Hilborn, C.M.	Deep River, Ont.
Dianne Kipnes, C.M.	Edmonton, Alta.
Irving Kipnes, C.M., A.O.E.	Edmonton, Alta.
Bruce Kirby, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont. and Rowayton, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Michael Massie, C.M.	Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.
Saeed Mirza, C.M.	Verdun, Que.
George Myhal, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Andrew Qappik, C.M.	Pangnirtung, Nvt.
Ernest Small, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Gregory Smallenberg, C.M.	Vancouver, B.C.
Julian Smith, C.M.	Huntsville, Ont.
Gordon Stobbe, C.M.	Halifax, N.S.
Sylvia Sweeney, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Bryan W. Tisdall, C.M.	Richmond, B.C.
Christl Verduyn, C.M.	Sackville, N.B.

 

RECIPIENTS’ CITATIONS

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA 

Paul W. Armstrong, O.C.
Edmonton, Alberta

Paul Armstrong is a pioneering investigative and clinical cardiologist whose work in acute cardiac care has had global reach. A professor at the University of Alberta, he has conducted transformative research in the treatment of acute heart attacks and was instrumental in implementing this pre-hospital treatment in Alberta’s ambulances, which is credited with increasing patient survival rates. He is also recognized for his leadership in health care institutions, including as founding president of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and as director of the Canadian VIGOUR Centre, an international enterprise that conducts global-scale clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine.

May Cohen, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

May Cohen is a pioneer in the field of women’s health in Canada. A former family physician and professor of family medicine at McMaster University, she has championed gender-based health care and the equal participation of women physicians in medicine over the course of six decades. She was the driving force behind the establishment of McMaster’s Women’s Health Office, which inspired the formation of similar offices throughout Ontario and across the country. Her legacy has been captured in the numerous medical awards and distinctions named in her honour.

Keith William Hipel, O.C.
Waterloo, Ontario

Keith Hipel is a pre-eminent leader in the field of systems design engineering. A professor at the University of Waterloo, he has developed innovative decision models that have been used to design environmental strategies and address pollution conflicts worldwide. His interdisciplinary systems approach has been applied to such wide-ranging challenges as the management of water levels in the Great Lakes and sustainable energy development. His leadership of numerous academic and professional institutions is equally renowned, notably in his role as the former president of the Academy of Science of the Royal Society of Canada.

Sajeev John, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Sajeev John is leading a paradigm shift in the field of optical sciences. A professor of physics and Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto, he has gained international renown by co-inventing a class of materials known as photonic crystals, which allows light to be slowed down, contained and microscopically controlled. This breakthrough has already proven to have real-world applications in such areas as optical communications, health care, renewable energy and computing, and holds tremendous promise for launching an entirely new era of technology.

Alberto Manguel, O.C.
Dorchester, Ontario and New York, New York, U.S.A.

Alberto Manguel is a passionate bibliophile. An internationally renowned anthologist, editor and translator, he has provided a universal perspective on how we understand, consume and curate literature through his non-fiction writing on the act of reading and the nature of books and libraries. His erudite observations are testimonies to the power of the written word and the impact of the experience of reading. A proud Canadian, he has ardently promoted Canadian literature abroad. He currently serves as the director of the National Library of Argentina, the country of his birth.

Anne Martin-Matthews, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Anne Martin-Matthews is shedding a critical light on the complexities of aging. A professor of sociology at the University of British Columbia and former scientific director of the national Institute of Aging of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, she has pushed gerontology to the forefront of scientific research in Canada. Notably, she led the implementation of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on the subject. Her expertise on aging-related work-life balance and care services is internationally renowned.

Rose M. Patten, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Rose Patten has served her community with dedication and inspiration. A senior banking executive whose financial acumen has propelled her to the top of the field, she has served as chair of the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children, where she demonstrated steady leadership and positive influence. Committed to helping others succeed, she has been a role model, mentor and advocate for women in senior positions. A discreet but engaged philanthropist, she supports children’s health research and access to education for vulnerable populations.

Ivan Barry Pless, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

A giant in the field of injury prevention, Barry Pless has upheld a lifelong commitment to children’s health. Professor emeritus at McGill University and former director of clinical research at the Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute, he continues to promote the implementation of research regarding the prevention of injuries. An engaged and dedicated advocate, he has also encouraged a cultural shift towards greater awareness and prevention of injuries, notably through his involvement with such organizations as Safe Kids Canada and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

This is a promotion within the Order.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

 Ross J. Beaty, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

A geologist and resource company entrepreneur, Ross Beaty is one of our leading environmental philanthropists. He has founded numerous resource companies, including Pan American Silver Corp., one of the world’s leading silver producers, and Alterra Power Corp., a renewable energy company. He established and has devoted considerable time and wealth to the Sitka Foundation, a catalyst in the protection of the environment and the promotion of biodiversity. His philanthropy has also helped establish the Earth Sciences Building and the Biodiversity Research Centre at the University of British Columbia.

Harry Bone, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

With quiet conviction and perseverance, Harry Bone has helped advance Indigenous rights, education and traditions in Manitoba. Over the years, he has served his community in various capacities and has built bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. A dedicated Elder and innovative educator, he led the Treaty Education Kit project to integrate greater knowledge of treaties and traditional laws into lesson plans. He also advises senior academic leaders on Indigenous matters at the University of Manitoba.

Abel Bosum, C.M.
Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec

Abel Bosum’s story is one of exceptional achievement. From residential school survivor to devoted leader, this gifted negotiator has concluded historic agreements and addressed collective development, economic, health and governance issues for the Cree Nation. When natural resource exploitation forced his community of Oujé-Bougoumou to relocate, he guided the re-establishment of a new settlement now renowned for its innovations and environmental sustainability. Through his enduring leadership and efforts, he has set a positive example for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Dionne Brand, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

With stirring, raw passion, Dionne Brand’s art sensitizes Canada to the need for social justice. An acclaimed and award-winning writer, poet and documentarist, she has explored, with beauty, the difficult themes of gender, race and sexuality, while shining a light on the experience of living in a post-colonial world. A professor of literature at the University of Guelph, she is recognized as one of our most engaged and deeply thoughtful writers. 

Meredith Chilton, C.M.
Lac-Brome, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario

Through her scholarship and dedication, Meredith Chilton has stimulated and invigorated the study and appreciation of ceramic art in Canada. As an art historian and long-time curator of the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, she helped to shape this institution into one of the world’s leading collections and research centres for historical ceramics. Her own studies on 18^th-century European porcelain have produced authoritative texts and have shed light on the social significance of this art form.

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, C.M.
Wikwemikong First Nation, Ontario 

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell has dedicated decades of her life to raising the status of Indigenous women in Canada. After losing her legal status following her marriage to a non-Indigenous man, she brought forward a court challenge to the Indian Act. Her touchstone case served as a catalyst for activism on the issue of gender discrimination against Indigenous women. She has helped build strong support systems for women as a founding member and president of many organizations, including the Ontario Native Women’s Association and the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

Martha Crago, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Martha Crago is a champion of scientific research and innovation. An expert on language acquisition, she is also highly regarded for her work as a university administrator. Adept at building partnerships between academia, government and industry, she has increased support and funding for large-scale national initiatives. Notably, while presiding over Dalhousie’s research agenda, she successfully positioned the university as a leader in ocean science. Now vice-principal at McGill University, she remains actively engaged on national committees devoted to expanding Canada’s research capacity.

Jean Pierre Desrosiers, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

A leading figure in cultural, artistic and social philanthropy, Jean Pierre Desrosiers works tirelessly on the governance and funding of several organizations. His ability to build bridges between business people and cultural stakeholders has given a boost to numerous Canadian entrepreneurs, innovators and artisans. A model of personal involvement, he infuses every project he undertakes with his visionary spirit, determination and enthusiasm. Theatres, circus artists, dance companies, universities and charities are thriving thanks to the breadth of his commitment.

Joyce Doolittle, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

Joyce Doolittle is a theatre professional who has had a determining influence on the performing arts in her city. Devoted to meaningful, challenging and professional theatre for audiences of all ages, she was instrumental in the creation of Theatre Calgary, Wagonstage, the Pumphouse Theatre and Alberta Theatre Projects. She is a professor emeritus of drama at the University of Calgary, where she played a key role in expanding the department to include high-quality courses and programs in developmental drama, Canadian theatre and playwriting.

Saul Feldberg, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

With great entrepreneurial drive, Saul Feldberg has built international enterprises. He founded The Global Group and Teknion Corporation, prominent manufacturers of office and institutional furniture known for their innovative and environmentally conscious designs. He has achieved success in the global market while upholding a commitment to maintaining facilities and expertise in Canada. He is recognized as a man of humility and generosity whose philanthropy has touched dozens of charities in Canada and Israel, including many of Toronto’s health, education, social and religious institutions.

Geoffrey Roy Fernie, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Geoff Fernie is improving the health and well-being of people with limited mobility. His pioneering technology and product developments have led to significant advancements in the prevention of injury and disease, particularly among older adults. As a professor at the University of Toronto, and as director of research at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, notably at the helm of the institute’s world-class iDAPT Centre for Research, he has made tangible contributions to improving safety conditions, fostering independence in patients and alleviating the concerns of caregivers.

Carlo Fidani, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Carlo Fidani’s business acumen is matched by his generosity towards Canadian health care. A prominent figure in Toronto’s real estate sector, he expanded his family’s construction company into one of the country’s leading industrial and commercial real estate enterprises. Beyond his own business success, he believes in the transformative power of philanthropy and human ingenuity. His many landmark donations have inspired collaboration in support of such health-related causes as research and innovation, education, treatment and the redevelopment of health care facilities.

Oliver Gannon, C.M.
Surrey, British Columbia

Juno-award winning guitarist, composer and arranger Oliver Gannon is a mainstay of Canada’s jazz community. Fifty years ago, he was one of the original members of Pacific Salt and has since collaborated with many leading jazz performers on numerous recordings. In the 1970s, he helped revitalize Vancouver’s traditional jazz scene, laying the foundation for the city’s international jazz festival. He continues to nurture a passion for the genre as a performer, teacher and leader in the development of computer-based learning for music students.

Martin Gleave, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Martin Gleave has made key advances in the treatment of prostate cancer. A professor at the University of British Columbia and head of the Vancouver Prostate Centre, he has conducted groundbreaking research into the cellular, genetic and chemical mechanisms involved in the propagation of cancer cells. His studies have led to the development of medicines that increase the vulnerability of cancer cells and limit their ability to multiply. Committed to eradicating the disease, he leads a collaborative network dedicated to translating laboratory research into clinical practice.

Minnie Grey, C.M., C.Q.
Kuujjuaq, Quebec

Minnie Grey’s dedicated leadership has helped protect and promote the Inuit way of life for 30 years. Former vice-president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council and chief negotiator for the creation of a Nunavik regional government, she spearheaded and bolstered initiatives that improved education, food security, cultural rights and economic development. As executive director of the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, she established and furthered health policies, notably those addressing youth mental health and suicide.

Curtis Harnett, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Curt Harnett is an inspired presence in Canada’s sporting community. A dominant cyclist of the ‘80s and ‘90s, he won more than 30 national titles and represented Canada at four Olympic Games, where he won three medals. In his retirement, he has been a committed advocate for athletes, taking on leadership positions with multiple national sporting organizations. As chef de mission for both the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, he led his fellow athletes with integrity, passion and vitality.

John W. Hilborn, C.M.
Deep River, Ontario

Physicist John Hilborn made pioneering contributions to Canada’s burgeoning nuclear industry. Throughout his lengthy tenure with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, he participated in the commissioning of several nuclear reactors at the corporation’s laboratories in Chalk River, Ontario and in Whiteshell, Manitoba. His most-noted innovation is the SLOWPOKE reactor, an inherently safe, low-power nuclear reactor that has been instrumental in both research and commercial applications in Canada and abroad. He is also greatly admired within his local community for his leadership of initiatives related to sports, education and history.

Dianne Kipnes, C.M. and Irving Kipnes, C.M., A.O.E.
Edmonton, Alberta

Dianne and Irving Kipnes have translated their professional success into lasting contributions to the arts, health care and education. Having experienced their share of health challenges, they provided inspirational leadership and support for advancing research and medical care in Alberta. Moreover, their patronage of the arts has benefited both the local and national scenes; notably, their transformational gift to the National Arts Centre’s recent refurbishment culminated in the Kipnes Lantern, an architectural marvel that serves as a “beacon for the performing arts in Canada.”

Bruce Kirby, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario and Rowayton, Connecticut, U.S.A.

An acclaimed sailor, journalist and boat designer, Bruce Kirby has persistently advanced the sport of sailing. The designer of more than 60 boats, he is noted for creating the popular 13-foot Laser, a one-design dinghy that has revolutionized the sport through its high-performance characteristics. He is recognized for his leading performances representing Canada at international sailing events, including three Olympic Games, and for his impact as a journalist and as the former editor of top racing magazine Sailing World.

Michael Massie, C.M.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador

Silversmith and sculptor Michael Massie has pushed the boundaries of Inuit sculpture by exploring innovative combinations of themes and materials. His art is both a composite of western influences and northern imagery, and a visual representation of his Indigenous and Scottish heritage. His acclaimed interpretations of the teapot are a whimsical nod to a beloved family pastime. Renowned for his expertise in combining metal and stone, particularly in his silver pieces, he has helped raise the profile of Inuit fine arts and has inspired new generations of northern artists.

Saeed Mirza, C.M.
Verdun, Quebec

Saeed Mirza has made lasting contributions to sustainable infrastructure in Canada and abroad. Professor emeritus of civil engineering at McGill University, he specializes in the sustainable design and management of urban infrastructures. His work has been instrumental in restoring and preventing large-scale urban decay. Furthermore, in proposing a national infrastructure policy for Canada, he is helping to make our built landscape safer and more durable. A generous mentor and volunteer, he is deeply involved in educating the public about infrastructure issues through the media.

George Myhal, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Investment and finance leader George Myhal is passionate about higher education. Over the course of three decades in the financial sector, he helped build and manage a prominent global asset management firm. Also a well-regarded philanthropist, he has been highly involved in the Governing Council of the University of Toronto, notably as a host of its largest fundraising campaign. Over the years, new generations of engineers of his alma mater have benefited from his dedication and support.

Andrew Qappik, C.M.
Pangnirtung, Nunavut

Andrew Qappik is a master printmaker, painter and sculptor whose work has been exhibited across Canada and worldwide. With a career spanning 40 years, he is acclaimed for his naturalistic depictions of traditional culture, wildlife and themes from Inuit storytelling. He has helped define Nunavut’s visual culture by contributing logos and designs for institutions throughout the territory. A Methodist pastor in his community, he has also sponsored the creation of a shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence.

Ernest Small, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Ernest Small has helped grow the field of botanical science in Canada. Principal scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, he specializes in researching the evolution and classification of economically important plants, particularly food, forage and medicinal species. Highly sought after as an expert advisor, he is best known for his work on hemp and medicinal marijuana. A prolific communicator, he has shared knowledge with the general public and scientific audiences alike through his highly readable books and research papers on agricultural crops and plant biodiversity.

Gregory Smallenberg, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Greg Smallenberg is one of Canada’s leading landscape architects. Founding partner of PFS Studio, he has helped shape his field both nationally and internationally, notably in the global shift towards landscape architecture having a broader role in the field of urban design. His imaginative work has enhanced the livability of some of Canada’s largest downtown cores. In addition, his contributions to such landmark projects as the National War Memorial, Confederation Square and the Vimy Memorial Restoration have fostered deeper national pride. 

Julian Smith, C.M.
Huntsville, Ontario

One of Canada’s leading heritage architects and planners, Julian Smith has helped ensure our most iconic monuments and cultural landscapes are preserved for generations to come. As chief restoration architect at Parks Canada, he was instrumental in establishing a program to protect federally owned heritage buildings. He has overseen the conservation of a wide variety of cultural sites both at home and abroad, and has served as a heritage advisor to UNESCO. A scholar and educator, he has inspired new generations of heritage professionals at Carleton University and the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts.

Gordon Stobbe, C.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Gordon Stobbe’s passion for fiddle music has enriched our cultural heritage. A performer, composer, teacher and publisher, he has toured with several bands, including his own trio, for more than 40 years. In the 1980s, he hosted a popular variety show that featured local talent and helped launch the careers of many successful artists. Devoted to the preservation of fiddle music, he has tirelessly built a nationwide network of workshops and camps to introduce the joys of this rich tradition to others.

Sylvia Sweeney, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Sylvia Sweeney’s commitment as an athlete and her creative leadership in the arts have been nothing short of remarkable. Voted most valuable player at the world championships, this two-time Olympian led Canada’s national basketball team to its highest levels of achievement. She continued to inspire others by producing numerous television programs that have given voice to the voiceless. She then took that mission to the international stage by founding the much-anticipated ArtsGames, an independent global competition that will bring the world together through dance, music, literature, visual and media arts.

Bryan W. Tisdall, C.M.
Richmond, British Columbia

Bryan Tisdall has devoted his career to instilling innovation and science literacy in children. For nearly 20 years as president and CEO of Science World, he demonstrated consistent and bold leadership in bringing people together, finding original ways to educate the public, and highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He was instrumental in the development of the Canadian Association of Science Centres and in taking science adventures on the road to B.C.’s remote communities, making science accessible to all.

Christl Verduyn, C.M.
Sackville, New Brunswick

Christl Verduyn has promoted Canadian studies and literature at home and abroad. A professor at Mount Allison University, she was instrumental in establishing the first doctoral program in Canadian studies in our country. Throughout her career, she has advocated for emerging, multicultural and women authors, and has spearheaded local and international literary projects intended to reach a broader audience. A dedicated ambassador of Canadian culture, she also contributes to the vitality of the Canadian literary landscape through her essays and poetry.

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 thisnew generation of the insigniawere 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.