Ms. Margaret E. Southern

  • Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Order of Canada

  • Officer of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: October 27, 1993
    • Invested on: April 13, 1994

    Co-owner of a successful equestrian centre in Calgary, she has helped expand its reputation so that it is now truly considered an international show-place for equestrian events. In addition, she gives generously of her time to a great range of activities, serving her city, province and country as a director of major corporations and voluntary boards. This is a promotion within the Order.

  • Companion of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: October 25, 2007
    • Invested on: May 15, 2009

    Margaret Southern has demonstrated passionate leadership and commitment to sport as a professional and volunteer. Under her direction, Spruce Meadows has become the world's top venue for equestrian sport, earning the FÚdÚration ╔questre Internationale's highest rating on three occasions. She has served as a volunteer organizer of international and national sports competitions, including the World Figure Skating Championships and equestrian events at the Canada Summer Games. In addition, she is a generous benefactor to several organizations dedicated to health care, including the United Way, as well as to academic institutions such as the universities of Calgary and Alberta. This is a promotion within the Order.

  • Member of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: December 21, 1987
    • Invested on: May 06, 1988

    A well-known promoter of recreational opportunities for Calgarians through the city's first Parks and Recreation Board, the Citizens' Advisory Committee and the YWCA, she has, with her husband, established Spruce Meadows, a world-class equestrian centre which attracts top international competitors to major events and has dramatically enhanced Canada's reputation in this field.