Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

The Governor General presided over her first Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on November 17, 2017.

Chief Terrance Paul, C.M., has dedicated his life to establishing a better future for his constituents, especially for youth. For more than three decades, as a leader and member of Indigenous advisory committees, he has championed the preservation of language and history through education. He has also been instrumental in identifying economic opportunities for his community. Under his leadership, the Membertou First Nation became the first Indigenous community in the world to be certified under the International Organization for Standardization, in recognition of its efficient and sustainable growth.

Strini Reddy, C.M., O.M., is devoted to the well-being of children. After experiencing racism and upheaval in his native South Africa, he taught in three other countries before settling in northern Manitoba. Throughout his 42-year career in education, he was known as an inspiring leader who spearheaded initiatives to address poverty, develop literacy skills in pre-schoolers and strengthen the community. Notably, he served as head of the council that developed the province’s early childhood education policy and recently established a summer learning enrichment program for underprivileged children.

Clarence Louie, C.M., O.B.C., has brought prosperity to his community. Elected chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band at the age of 24, he was driven to improve living standards for his people. To this end, he formed a development corporation to foster business relationships and entrepreneurship. Over the past three decades, his efforts have helped revitalize the community with the establishment of a cultural centre and several businesses, including a winery, a golf course and a commercial centre. In addition, he has been instrumental in safeguarding the Okanagan language and cultural heritage for future generations.

Anne-Marie Hubert, C.M., has a proven track record as an exceptional administrator, rising through the ranks of global firm EY, where she serves as managing partner for Quebec. She is deeply committed to parity and inclusion in business. She has also made a tangible impact within her organization through her initiatives to encourage professional development and mentorship for women and cultural minorities, initiatives that have since been emulated elsewhere. Actively involved in governance, she brings her energy and know-how to numerous educational, charitable and business organizations.

Brian Finley, C.M., and Donna Bennett, C.M., have created a cultural cornerstone in rural Ontario. After pursuing their individual performance careers, this musical duo established Westben, a performing arts festival in the Trent Hills region. Thanks to their vision and leadership, the festival has brought together both professional and amateur musicians, exposed local audiences to music of the highest calibre, and achieved artistic excellence. Their work has contributed to community building in the region, and has played an important role in supporting Canadian music and emerging artists.

Manon Barbeau, C.M., is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has a particular focus on social justice issues. She transformed the cinematic art form into an intervention tool to reach a voiceless generation. She founded Wapikoni Mobile, a mobile film and music production studio that travels to communities across Canada to meet with Aboriginal youth and empower them to make their voices heard. Wapikoni showcases contemporary Aboriginal culture by celebrating its richness and diversity.

The Tragically Hip has been one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands for over 30 years. Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair achieved renown for their memorable performances and storytelling. From hockey to history, the band’s lyrical references to Canadian topics created a sense of what it’s like to love—and live in—this country. The band’s place in the heart of our music scene is reflected in its numerous accolades and its legions of devoted fans. The Tragically Hip also resonates with audiences for its generous support for many social and environmental causes. The Order of Canada insignia awarded to the late Mr. Gord Downie was presented to him at a previous ceremony.

Richard Borshay Lee, O.C., transformed anthropology’s understanding of hunter-gatherers and forced the reassessment of long-held assumptions about social evolution. Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, he was among the first to demonstrate how the Ju/'hoansi people of southern Africa were in possession of a highly refined culture and secure mode of subsistence. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to the detrimental effects of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and his efforts to fight the disease have included the establishment of medical partnerships between Canadian and African institutions.

Gloria Cranmer Webster, O.C., has devoted her life to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous culture and traditions. She was the founding director and curator of the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, which preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of the Kwakwaka’wakw and houses a collection repatriated from the Canadian Museum of History. A proud 'Namgis, she has lent her expertise in anthropology and museology to numerous exhibits within Canada and abroad. Through her wisdom and determination, she has helped foster greater public knowledge of her heritage.

David Barber, O.C., is one of our nation’s most influential Arctic researchers. A Canada Research Chair and professor at the University of Manitoba, he is at the forefront of studying the impact of climate change on sea ice. Notably, his efforts have led to the establishment of a marine research centre in northern Manitoba, and have expanded Canada’s capacity to detect and mitigate transportation-related contaminant spills. Additionally, he has contributed extensively to regulatory-, policy- and community-based monitoring programs to measure and respond to Arctic climate change.

Who has set the tone of the quiz show “Jeopardy!” with his steady presence and quiet intelligence for more than 33 years? Through his iconic television work, Alex Trebek has instilled a love of learning in millions of people around the world. Off-camera, he is a champion of geographic literacy in the United States and Canada through his work with their geographic societies. Generous with his time and support, he is committed to multiple educational, environmental and humanitarian causes, notably as an ambassador for World Vision.

In 2017, the Order of Canada marked 50 years of honouring Canadians.

During her speech, the Governor General said that Order of Canada recipients believe in making a difference both in our country and around the world.

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