Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 6, 1998
• Invested on: July 13, 1998

A lawyer, diplomat and parliamentarian, he distinguished himself in his role as Speaker of the House of Commons, having served three times in the position, a remarkable precedent in itself. His vast experience as a man of law has won him honorary doctorates in Canada and abroad. He was subsequently appointed Canada's Ambassador to Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, observer at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and Ambassador to Portugal.