• Deceased
• Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Order of Canada

• Member of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: October 23, 1997
  • Invested on: May 07, 1998

  A successful entrepreneur from Atlantic Canada, he has been a staunch supporter of educational institutions, notably the University College of Cape Breton, Dalhousie University's School of Business and the National Theatre School of Canada. Among his many humanitarian ventures, he recently co-founded and is Chairman of the Canadian International Demining Centre, a non-profit, non-governmental agency. He is dedicated to the eradication of the use of land mines and the reclamation of mine-polluted land for productive use by indigenous populations.

• Officer of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: October 30, 2003
  • Invested on: December 10, 2004

  This visionary entrepreneur and committed philanthropist has made significant contributions to Cape Breton. Irving Schwartz has invested resources, time and expertise in local knowledge-based companies, helping to diversify and develop the island's economy. He serves on the board of Virtual Media Productions Ltd. and was active in establishing three software companies. In addition, he continues to devote himself to various humanitarian and community ventures, including Junior Achievement of Cape Breton and the Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency. As chair of the Canadian International Demining Corps, he implemented numerous mine-action programs in war-ravaged countries around the world. This is a promotion within the Order.