Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 30, 2001
• Invested on: October 17, 2001

In his opinion, people grow by challenging themselves. This explorer and mountaineer has some extraordinary achievements to his credit, including the world first of skiing across Ellesmere Island. He is also one of the few people to have accomplished the feat of reaching both the North and South Poles and the top of the world, Mount Everest. He contributes to the exploration and promotion of Canadian geography, and uses his expeditions to foster scientific research and the development of new products. A much sought-after speaker in Canada and abroad, he is also involved with youth, notably through the Young Canadians Challenge.