The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, June 29, 2022 8:06 AM EDT Last Updated on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 8:06 AM EDT
Film and television actress Sandra Oh and track champion Donovan Bailey are among dozens of recently nominated performers, athletes, advocates and experts for Canada’s highest civilian distinction.
Governor General Mary Simon on Wednesday announced 85 nominees for the Order of Canada, promoting luminaries in fields such as film, music, science, politics, business, academia, sports and culture.
The star of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve” Oh was named an officer of the Order of Canada for her success on stage and screen, while Bailey was named an officer for her excellence on track and field. his philanthropic commitment to young and amateur athletes.
“For me, I just want to be a great example for young Canadians that they themselves can follow in my footsteps,” Bailey said when contacted before the announcement in Vancouver.
“Hopefully, I was one of those positive people who (inspires others to) believe that Canada should be positive and Canada should have confidence and Canada can face anyone and come out on top.” .
Film director and screenwriter Francois Girard of Montreal and Angela James of Richmond Hill, Ontario, who was one of the first superstars in women’s hockey, were also named officers for the high degree of achievement or service in Canada. .
New members of the order, who are honored for their distinguished service to a particular community or field, include Toronto music industry veteran Al Mair; former MP Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell of Arviat, Nunavut; and Vancouver-based HIV / AIDS researcher Martin T. Schechter.
Karetak-Lindell says he was only five when he began thinking about how he could serve his small northern community.
Sixty years later, he can look back on a public service career that includes working for the council and the education authority in the region and as a Liberal member of Parliament from 1997 to 2008.
“I come from a family that was taught to help others and to do so with care, love and respect, without seeking to be recognized for it. So to think that people feel that I deserved to be given this Order of Canada is a real honor, ”she said when contacted in Arviat.
“And of course being inuk means so much more because today’s governor general is also inuk.”
Karetak-Lindell, one of 10 children, says he was encouraged to respect others and never forget where he was from. He credits models to follow as his uncle and Inuit leader Tagak Curley; his father, who was a special constable of the RCMP; and her mother, “a woman before her time” who exercised in male-dominated town halls and organizations.
“Our community is one of those people who are constantly trying to help their peers. And this is the environment where I grew up, along with the influence of my parents. But this community always makes me feel like I could do more because they believe in me so I can do what I want, ”he said.
Mair earns her honor after working in the music industry from the age of 12 when she sold records in a music store after school.
He continued to help grow the Canadian scene by helping launch several careers, including that of singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, whom he conducted for eight years. Mair also directed several music organizations, including the Canadian Independent Music Association and the independent label Attic Records.
His passion goes back to Expo 67 in Montreal, a spectacular world fair that marked Canada’s centenary and showcased the talent of his home.
“I was convinced that Canadian artists could be at least equal to artists from any other country in the world, if not superior, and I’ve always felt that way,” said Mair, the label’s list included Lee Aaron, Triumph, Maestro Fresh- Wes. , the Nylons and Haywire.
“There was a lot of negativity among broadcasters that Canadian artists were second-rate and not good enough. It was a real challenge to convince broadcasters and it was literally decades before Canadian artists were fully accepted by the broadcasting industry.” .
Other recipients announced Wednesday include Dr. William Clark of London, Ontario, a nephrologist who investigated the long-term health consequences of Canada’s worst E. coli contamination in Walkerton, Ontario, in 2000; and hereditary chief Stephen Joseph Augustine of the first nation of Elsipogtog, NB, to advance Mi’kmaq studies and awareness.
Recipients will be presented with their badge at a later date in Ottawa, depending on their availability. Rideau Hall hosts an average of four investiture ceremonies a year.
The honorees receive a silver badge in the shape of a six-pointed snowflake with a red ring in the middle and a royal crown on it. It also includes a stylized maple leaf with the motto of the order: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, which means, “I wish a better country.”
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievements, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. More than 7,600 people from all sectors of society have invested.