Companion of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 15, 2000
• Invested on: December 19, 2001

He has helped secure Canada's place on the international literary stage. His characters speak of struggle and triumph; his stories bring St. Urbain and Crescent Street to the world. Colourful and sometimes controversial, he is one of Canada's foremost satirists, well known for his essays and columns. His novels and works of non-fiction have come to form part of our nation's cultural heritage and many have been recognized with honours, including two Governor General's Literary Awards and the Commonwealth Writers Award.