Cultural heritage conservation experts Dr. Christina Cameron and Mr. John G. McAvity were recently awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
Dr. Christina Cameron was appointed to the Order of Canada for her contributions to heritage preservation through her work with Parks Canada Agency, with UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention, and as a university professor. A recent recipient of the National Trust’s 2014 Gabrielle Léger Medal for Lifetime Achievement, Dr. Cameron is an internationally recognized expert in the field of heritage conservation. She has made an outstanding contribution to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage in Canada and around the world. In July 2014 Dr. Cameron was named president of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
Mr. John G. McAvity’s appointment recognizes his contributions to preserving Canada’s cultural heritage, notably through his long-standing role as executive director of the Canadian Museums Association (CMA). A life member of the National Trust, Mr. McAvity has worked tirelessly to bring relevancy, innovation, and funding to the museum sector. In the past 33 years with the CMA, he successfully lobbied for new legislation for the indemnification of exhibitions, and the 1991 federal museums policy.
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
All Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges while in office. The Order’s constitution permits non-Canadians to be considered for honorary appointments. Members of the Royal Family, governors general and their spouses are appointed in the extraordinary category. There are no posthumous appointments.
Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievement, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada. Usually, promotions are considered five years after the first appointment.
Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the Order of Canada. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.
For more information, please visit www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15922&lan=eng.