Order of Canada Ceremony

The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Chantal Petitclerc (Montréal, Quebec) is a model of determination and excellence. At the age of 13, an accident left her with a damaged spinal column and at the age of 18, she took part in her first wheelchair race. Although she finished last, she fell in love with racing. Since then, she has won the most medals in Canadian track and field history, with a total of 21 medals from five Paralympic Games. She also holds four world records and five Paralympic records. A spokesperson for Défi sportif and a sought-after guest speaker, she motivates people to conquer adversity and contributes to the development of handisports. She is a source of inspiration all around the world. Known for her achievements and as a role model for others, she has won the Laureus World Sports Award and was the first female Paralympic athlete to win the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s Athlete of the Year.

Kim Campbell (Paris, France and Vancouver, British Columbia) is a pioneer for Canadian women in politics and a pre-eminent figure on the international stage. She held five ministerial portfolios before becoming Canada’s 19th, and first woman, prime minister. Also the first woman to be named minister of Justice and minister of National Defence, she was known for her effective tenure in these positions. After her departure from federal politics, she became a renowned consul general for Canada in Los Angeles and embarked on a successful career with global organizations, promoting issues such as the advancement and participation of women in politics and global democracy. She helped found and led the Club of Madrid and the Council of Women World Leaders. Through her involvement with the Middle Powers Initiative, she also works as an advocate for nuclear non-proliferation.

Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and Montréal, Quebec) is one of Canada’s greatest hockey legends and is an inspirational role model. A gifted forward with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he won numerous awards for his scoring skills and his leadership on the ice. He also captained Canada’s men’s hockey team to gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics. His attitude in coming back from serious health issues during his on-ice career has set an example of the power of determination and perseverance for young players. Now a co-owner of the Penguins, he also supports fundraising initiatives for the Hockey Canada Foundation and the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which provide funds for medical and other charitable organizations.

For nearly 30 years, Yves Jacques’ (Montréal, Quebec) immense talent as a theatre, cinema and television actor has been showcased both in Canada and abroad. He is equally comfortable in comedy and drama, and excels in contemporary and classical theatre roles alike. He has performed with the Ligue Nationale d’Improvisation, and in the perennial favourite New Year’s Eve comedy show, the “Bye Bye”, and acted in films like The Decline of the American Empire. He has also performed on television and in cinema in France. In addition, he has made his mark internationally with his English- and French-language versions of the solo pieces, The Far Side of the Moon and The Andersen Project.

Burton Cummings (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. and Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a legend in Canadian music. He co-wrote many classic songs as a member of the Guess Who and as a solo artist, and was a pioneer in bringing Canadian rock music to an international audience. This singer-songwriter and musician is renowned for his energetic performances and for his unmistakable voice. His influence persists as his songs continue to be mainstays on radio stations across North America. In addition, he has performed in numerous benefit concerts in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, the National Ballet of Canada and the Variety Club, as well as in support of his fellow Manitobans following the 1997 Red River Flood.

Known as the “Queen of the Down East Fiddle,” Matilda Murdoch (Miramichi, New Brunswick) has been a lifelong performer, composer and teacher of traditional fiddle music. She began playing the fiddle as a child and, by the age of 11, she was already a seasoned professional, performing at dances and concerts throughout New Brunswick. More than 70 years later, she is an icon in fiddle circles, as over 200 of her compositions have been played and recorded throughout North America and Ireland, including her famous “Loggieville Two-Step.” Her multiple awards and distinctions are a testament to her enduring legacy to the cultural community of New Brunswick.

Jay Ingram (Toronto, Ontario) is a master at making complex science accessible. In his roles as a radio and television host, author, and public speaker, he makes developments across the spectrum both interesting and relevant to the public, and builds bridges between scientists and the media. He has pioneered programs devoted entirely to science on both national radio and television, and has been sought out to train new generations of journalists as chair of the Banff Centre’s science communications program. He has received broad recognition for his work, including the first annual Award for Contributions to Public Understanding from the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science.

Throughout her career, Gail Cook-Bennett (Toronto, Ontario) has been a trailblazer and role model for women. For over three decades, this economist has been providing wise counsel and leadership to the boards of private, public and not-for-profit organizations. She has been a director of several of Canada’s largest companies and is currently chair of the board of Manulife Financial. Founding chair of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, she has also contributed to Canadian public policy as a member of the board of the Bank of Canada, and as a member of federal and provincial advisory committees. The Salvation Army and Carleton University have also benefited from her support.

An accomplished and celebrated actress, Tantoo Cardinal (Vancouver, British Columbia) has advanced Aboriginal performing arts in Canada. Known for her authenticity, she has brought to life complex and diverse Aboriginal characters and has worked to dispel stereotypes. Her performances in both film and television, including Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, and “North of 60”, have helped to blaze a trail in an industry where few roles for Aboriginal women previously existed. A founding member of the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company, she serves as an inspirational role model to aspiring youth, nurturing talent in those wishing to pursue a similar path.

Their Excellencies are pictured with all the Members, Officers and Companions who were invested into the Order of Canada on September 3, 2010.