• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Order of Canada

• Member of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: October 29, 2004
  • Invested on: September 09, 2005

  Eleanor Wachtel has made an outstanding contribution to arts journalism. She is best known for her work on CBC radio, notably as host of Writers and Company and The Arts Tonight. Admired as a warm and skillful interviewer, she helps listeners to widen their awareness and perspective. She also provides invaluable exposure for Canadian and foreign writers and artists. In addition, she has shared her insight as a writer and popular guest speaker and as a volunteer.

• Officer of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: November 20, 2014
  • Invested on: September 23, 2015

  For connecting Canadian readers with the worldwide literary community and for her insightful contributions to our appreciation of contemporary literature.
  
  This is a promotion within the Order.
  
  Eleanor Wachtel has become the linchpin that connects Canadian readers to the worldwide literary community. Hailed as one of the worldÆs best interviewers of authors, she regularly wins praise for her work on CBC RadioÆs ôWriters & Company,ö where her unique blend of integrity, warmth and perspicacity has won the trust of international, high-profile authors. A mainstay at CanadaÆs major literary events, in the past five years alone, she has been invited to moderate at book festivals in Amsterdam, Colombia, China, Sri Lanka and Ireland.