Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

The Governor General presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on May 8, 2015. The honour was bestowed upon 2 Companions, 10 Officers and 38 Members. The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

David Cronenberg, C.C., O.Ont., has cemented his place in the world’s top echelon of filmmakers. Our foremost cinematic ambassador, he is one of the few Canadians who commands the respect of the worldwide film industry by dint of a predominantly homegrown reputation. In 2006, he added the Cannes Film Festival’s Carrosse d’Or to his growing collection of international accolades, which includes jury prizes from two of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. Nonetheless, he remains unflagging in his support of Canadian cinema and continues to staff his international projects with Canadian cast and crew members. This is a promotion within the Order.

"We’re so fortunate to have the Order of Canada as a means of recognizing excellence. My predecessor, Vincent Massey, once described the office of governor general as “an instrument for Canada,” and I see the Order in much the same way. It’s an important symbol of our values and our beliefs. In fact, when someone asks me, ‘What is your vision for Canada?’ I point to the Order of Canada, in all its hopefulness and diversity and excellence."

A professor of neuroscience, Catherine Zahn, C.M., has contributed to advancing mental health research and treatment by building bridges between experts in her field and mental health care practitioners. Currently the president and chief executive officer of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, she has furthered its ongoing redevelopment into a more welcoming, dynamic facility that is integrated into the surrounding neighbourhood. This, along with her public presence and advocacy across the country, has played an important role in shifting societal attitudes towards mental illness.

Ricardo Larrivée, C.M., encourages people to eat well and makes cooking accessible to everyone. Known for his communication skills and contagious energy, he has had a place in the kitchens and hearts of the people of Quebec for many years as the host of his eponymous daily television program. Moreover, his daily English-language program, “Ricardo and Friends,” is broadcast in close to 50 countries, giving viewers around the world a window into Canadian cuisine. He also has a culinary magazine published in both French and English, as well as cookbooks, and his bilingual website has become an indispensable reference tool. Furthermore, he supports a variety of causes, including breast cancer research, and Tablée des Chefs, a socially involved organization.

Sheldon Kennedy, C.M., has brought the issue of child abuse to the forefront of public consciousness. After courageously sharing his own story, this father and professional hockey player fundraised for abuse prevention initiatives by inline skating across Canada. He co-founded Respect Group, an online abuse prevention training organization and has partnered with international bodies to take his message to a global audience. Recently, he was honoured with the naming of Calgary’s new Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, a first-of-its-kind facility that utilizes a collaborative model for investigating and treating child abuse.

Haida artist, designer and entrepreneur Dorothy Grant, C.M. creates fashion that is art. Her strong connection to her Haida identity and culture has been the driving force behind her designs, which reflect traditional First Nations imagery and ornamentation. She is best known for pioneering the melding of Northwest Coast designs with haute couture that has garnered an international clientele. Many of her garments have also been collected by museums worldwide.

Christiane Germain, C.M., C.Q., has brought distinctiveness to the Canadian hotel sector. Co-president and co-founder of the Groupe Germain Hospitalité, she re-energized the hotel industry by opening Canada’s first boutique hotels. She also promotes the local economy by using Canadian suppliers. Known for her innovation and business acumen, she sits on several boards of directors in the business and tourist sectors, and is involved in various social and charitable activities.

For more than 50 years, Norman Keevil, O.C., has been a bold and visionary leader in Canada’s mining industry. Under his guidance, his company evolved into a world-class entity that has accrued economic benefits for all Canadians. As a generous and civic-minded industry spokesman, he has funded education and research in geology and mineral development, and has donated to a host of community-building initiatives. He serves as an exemplary role model for future generations of entrepreneurs.

G. Raymond Chang, O.C. (deceased) believed in making a difference. After working in his family’s bakery business in Jamaica, he came to Canada to pursue his post-secondary studies and to seek new opportunities. He went on to establish a leading financial services company and devoted himself to giving back to his adopted home. Chancellor emeritus of Ryerson University, he was well known for his engagement and philanthropy in health care, education and entrepreneurship. His sustained generosity helped transform lives and entire communities in Canada and in the Caribbean. The insignia presented to the late Mr. Raymond Chang was received by his wife Mrs. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, and his son, Mr. Andrew Chang.

Richard W. Pound, C.C., O.Q., is a champion of fairness in sport and a prime example of civic engagement. He is admired for his dedication to the Olympic ideal of personal excellence and fair play, and has held key positions at the national and international levels. As the founding president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, he helped create the first World Anti-Doping Code, which irrevocably changed amateur and professional sport. A distinguished lawyer as well as chancellor emeritus of McGill University, he also devotes his energy to many community organizations. This is a promotion within the Order.

Group photo taken prior to the formal dinner held in honour of the newly invested recipients of the Order of Canada.