Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

Actor, playwright and director of film and stage, Robert Lepage (Québec, Quebec) is known internationally for his creative genius. He took the road less travelled and created impressive theatrical events, and stage and audiovisual productions, such as The Dragons’ Trilogy, The Far Side of the Moon and The Image Mill, the largest architectural projection ever achieved. His works are performed and presented around the world and have earned him international critical acclaim. Because of his renown, he is invited by the world’s leading opera houses and theatres to produce and direct large-scale productions. And although his artistic activities take him around the world, he continues to be involved in his community. He develops his projects in his hometown, contributing to the City of Québec’s economic and artistic development. This is a promotion within the Order.

Their Excellencies are pictured with the recipients that were invested into the Order of Canada on November 4, 2011.

On November 4, 2011, the Governor General, who is chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, bestowed the honour on 28 Members, 10 Officers and one Companion.

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.

"Because at its core, the Order of Canada is about excellence, achievement, innovation, and a job more than well done," said His Excellency. "Perhaps even more importantly, because its motto serves to remind us that there is still much more about which we, as Canadians, can dream, so much more that we should give and must do. For it obliges us to fight the temptation to become complacent about the responsibilities that we all have. We cannot suppose that someone else will stand up and serve. We must not assume that others will reach out and share, nor wait for another to uncover new ideas to move our country ahead."

A role model and an inspirational leader, Viola Robinson (Yarmouth, Nova Scotia) has advanced the rights of First Nations peoples across Canada. She was instrumental in negotiating a process for the implementation of governance and treaty rights for Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia, and has worked to end discrimination against Aboriginal women nationally. As well, her commitment to fostering a just and inclusive society guided her work as a member of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Bob McDonald (Toronto, Ontario) makes science more interesting and understandable. Without a university education, he has nonetheless become one of this country’s most respected science journalists and is highly regarded by scientific societies around the world. Known for his enthusiasm and for simplifying complex concepts, he is host of CBC Radio’s “Quirks & Quarks,” and is the science correspondent for “The National.” In addition, his influential programming for children has garnered him numerous awards.

David Shannon (Thunder Bay, Ontario) is a champion of the rights of people living with disabilities. After suffering a spinal cord injury at the age of 18, he devoted his legal career to promoting disability rights and raising awareness of accessibility issues. He has influenced policy-makers in shaping legislation that has removed barriers and improved the lives of individuals living with disabilities. He was also the first person with paraplegia to reach the North Pole.

Throughout his career in the National Hockey League, Trevor Linden (Vancouver, British Columbia) established a reputation for community engagement and sportsmanship. A gifted forward, he played for nearly two decades, notably with the Vancouver Canucks and the Montreal Canadiens, and represented Canada at several international tournaments. Recognized for his leadership and humanitarian contributions, he also created the Trevor Linden Foundation. This organization supports, among other initiatives, pediatric cancer care, research and preventative campaigns, and has been particularly dedicated to helping underprivileged and terminally ill children.

A renowned comedic actor, director, producer and writer, Eugene Levy (Toronto, Ontario) has won over audiences throughout the world. A Second City alumnus, he has since starred in more than 50 films. He is still in touch with his Canadian roots as a mentor of Humber College’s comedy students, and through his engagement with such organizations as Shalom Village, in Hamilton; the Autism Society; and the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

For decades, Patrick Jarvis (Calgary, Alberta) has empowered people with disabilities to seek their full potential through sport. As an athlete and team manager, he represented Canada at several international paralympic sporting events. During his presidency of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, he led its transformation into a powerful force within the paralympic movement, and spearheaded the implementation of athlete-focussed services, initiatives and programs. His inspirational and dynamic leadership has also benefited such organizations as the International Paralympic Committee and WinSport. He remains a model of excellence in sport.

Jean-Claude Fouron (Montréal, Quebec) is a leader in pediatric cardiology. Renowned for using ultrasound Doppler technology to examine fetal cardiac disorders, he founded the first fetal cardiac unit in Canada, at the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine. He has mentored several generations of pediatricians as a professor at the Université de Montréal, while also contributing to medical training programs in perinatal and pediatric care in Haiti. His extensive research has earned him numerous national and international awards.

Through their volunteerism, philanthropy and social activism, Anthony and Elizabeth Comper (Toronto, Ontario) have made significant and lasting contributions to their community. For decades, they have been actively and passionately involved as leaders and supporters of an array of organizations, including the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews; the University of Toronto; the Necessary Angel Theatre Company; and the Royal Conservatory of Music. They are also highly regarded for co-founding Fighting Anti-Semitism Together (FAST), a coalition of business and community leaders who speak out against discrimination and who fund education programs.

Shirley Bear (Tobique, Maliseet Reserve, New Brunswick) has made influential contributions to New Brunswick’s cultural landscape. As an activist, curator and artist, she has helped to raise the public profile of Aboriginal artists. Her own paintings are admired for celebrating the wisdom, strength and spirituality of First Nations women. She is also a long-time advocate for the rights of Indigenous women in Canada, and is a role model and inspiration to members of her community.

Hayley Wickenheiser (Calgary, Alberta) is a celebrated female hockey player, admired for her exceptional determination and dedication. As one of the top scorers in women’s hockey, she and her team captured three Olympic gold medals, as well as six gold medals at the women’s world championships. She is the first woman to play professional hockey in a position other than goalie, and was the first to score a goal in a men’s professional league. Off the ice, she serves as a role model through initiatives promoting women in sport, youth, and the environment.