His contribution to Canada's cultural landscape has spanned three decades and many media. A prolific and award-winning playwright and composer, he is well known for the musical Billy Bishop Goes to War, a collaborative effort which has been called a classic in Canadian theatre. He is also a popular and respected commentator on this nation's cultural issues, working as a broadcaster, magazine writer and newspaper columnist. In addition, he frequently volunteers his time as a performer at fundraising events for charitable causes.
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 1975-06-25
Invested on: 1975-10-15
Former President and Chairman of the MacMillan Company of Canada, who has constantly fostered the growth of Canadian literature and encouraged Canadian authors.