Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

Their Excellencies are pictured with the 43 recipients who were invested into the Order of Canada on May 27, 2011.

René Derouin (Val-David, Quebec) is a fixture of Canadian visual art. A painter, engraver and sculptor for over 50 years, he has explored such themes as identity, migrations and the mingling of cultures. He has created some remarkable works, including Migrations, the well-known installation consisting of 20 000 statuettes, 19 000 of which he sent to the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. His works have been exhibited in several countries, and his contributions to culture have earned him several awards and honours, including the Order of the Aztec Eagle. He is also known for his efforts to disseminate art. Artistic director of a foundation that he created, he sponsors young creators and offers exhibition space in his own home for artists from the three Americas. He also organizes public symposiums that encourage dialogue and artistic discussion.

A dedicated physician and teacher, Braam de Klerk (Victoria, British Columbia and Inuvik, Northwest Territories) is an advocate for Canada’s North. Medical director for the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority, he has been especially committed to teaching and training medical students and residents from universities across the country and overseas, many of whom have gone on to work in other rural areas of Canada and around the world. As a founding member of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, he has helped to promote sustainable and equitable health care for remote populations across Canada. For more than two decades, he has been dedicated to the betterment of his community and is one of the longest-serving doctors in Inuvik and its surrounding areas.

A rock music legend, Robbie Robertson (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. and Toronto, Ontario) is one of Canada’s most inspirational artists. He began his rise to stardom as a member of The Band, later embarking on a successful solo career that broadened to include film scores, acting, producing and musical collaborations. Through a fertile blending of diverse musical styles, he has introduced Native music to a much wider audience. His album Music for the Native Americans helped to showcase the work of other Native artists on the international music scene. By transcending cultural and geographical barriers, he stands as a model for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists alike.

Michael J. Fox (New York, New York, U.S.A. and Vancouver, British Columbia) is an outspoken advocate for people living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as a respected and accomplished screen actor. He is best known for his work in the television series “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” and for the Back to the Future film trilogy. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the early 1990s, he has focused his creative energies on funding medical research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He continues to raise funds for the development of better treatments for patients. The Canadian branch of his foundation recently gained charitable status, ensuring the financial support of Canadian medical researchers working towards the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Rita Mirwald (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) is an inspirational role model for women in the mining industry. As a senior executive with Cameco Corporation, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, she was highly regarded for developing training and recruitment programs in Saskatchewan’s First Nations communities, and for her industry-wide mentorship of women. Having risen through the ranks herself, she championed equal opportunities for all employees. The first female director of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, she has also been actively involved with such organizations as the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy.

Howie Meeker (Waterloo, Ontario and Parksville, British Columbia) is one of hockey’s legends. He is a former professional hockey player and instructor, whose love of the game lived on after he left the ice. A well-loved and colourful commentator, he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with fans across the country on “Hockey Night in Canada” and as the host of “Howie Meeker’s Hockey School.” He also encouraged solid hockey skills among youth by founding summer camps in Canada and the United States, which helped countless young players to improve their game. He has also been a generous supporter of many causes in his community, notably to the Special Olympics and the British Columbia Guide Dog Services.

Mary Jo Haddad (Oakvile, Ontario) is a passionate advocate for children’s health care. Formerly a neonatal nurse and now president and chief executive officer of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), she has played a leadership role in building a system of pediatric health care in Ontario through collaboration and innovation. Her focus on family-centered care has empowered children and their families to be important partners in health care delivery. She has also played a pivotal role in enhancing pediatric health care by sharing SickKids’ expertise and best practices with hospitals around the world. In addition, her leadership has benefited such organizations as the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health, and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Health Centres.

One of the most prolific Acadian filmmakers, Phil Comeau (Saulnierville, Nova Scotia and Montréal, Quebec) has brought his community to the wider world through his films and television series. This director and screenwriter has filmed productions in every province across Canada and in some 20 countries, including more than 30 productions on Acadia. He created the first Acadian comedy, Les gossipeuses; the first independent Acadian feature film, Le secret de Jérôme; and the television series “La Sagouine.” Renowned throughout cinematic circles, he has received numerous awards in North America and Europe, and has been a member of a number of film festival juries in Canada and abroad.

"You are leaders, innovators and givers. You have defined Canadian art, science, politics, sports, business and so much more. And because of this, because you have proven yourselves on the national and international stage, you are being invested into the Order of Canada, and joining others who have helped us to define what it means to be Canadian", said the Governor General while presiding over the Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall.