His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, recently announced 95 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include 3 Companions (C.C.), 13 Officers (O.C.) and 79 Members (C.M.). These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.
The Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
The two architects honoured are:
*Barry V. Downs, C.M. of Vancouver, British Columbia for his contributions as an architect who creates spaces that meld buildings with their natural surroundings.
*Robert Mellin, C.M. of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for his contributions to preserving and restoring Newfoundland’s built architecture and for his publications that have made modern architecture more accessible to a wider audience.
Additionally, James Douglas Fleck, C.C. of Toronto, Ontario was promoted within the Order to the Companion of the Order of Canada for his enduring contributions and strategic leadership as one of Canada’s leading arts patrons, and for endowing our national cultural institutions, notably by partnering business with the arts.
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.