Gov. Gen. Mary Simon recently announced 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including doctors, activists, artists, and economists. Notable inductees include Colleen Murphy, community activist Pamela Appelt, former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz, pop star Avril Lavigne, and child-care advocate Martha Friendly among others. Simon’s office announced one new companion, 16 officers, two honorary officers, and 64 new members, with two promotions within the order. The Order of Canada honours individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts on Canadian communities or brought honour to Canada internationally.
Avril Lavigne has been made a member of the Order of Canada for her music career and support for people with serious illnesses and disabilities. The Napanee, Ontario native has spoken about her battle with Lyme disease.
Author and filmmaker Mellissa Fung is now an officer of the order for her advocacy for women and girls in war-torn countries. Fung was kidnapped in Kabul in 2008 while reporting on the war in Afghanistan for CBC, an experience she detailed in her book “Under the Afghan Sky: A Memoir of Captivity.”
Actress and producer Tina Keeper, known for her role in CBC’s “North of 60” and as one of the first Cree members of Parliament, is named a member. She is recognized for her Indigenous-themed film and television work.
Joyce Napier, former Radio-Canada journalist and Canada’s ambassador to the Vatican has been made a member for her contributions to broadcasting and journalism.
The only companion on the list is Monique Forget Leroux, the former president and CEO of Desjardins Group. Leroux has represented Canada in multinational groups and was the first Canadian woman to chair the International Cooperative Alliance.
Stephen Poloz, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, is now an officer. He initially went to Queen’s University to become a doctor but switched to economics.
Martha Friendly, executive director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, is honoured for her work in childcare advocacy.
Madeleine Humer, a music teacher, and children’s choir conductor has been made a member for her contributions to choral music education.
Pamela Appelt, originally from Jamaica, is now an officer of the order. She is a celebrated community leader and the first Black Canadian woman appointed to the Court of Canadian Citizenship.
The full list of Order of Canada Appointees is as follows:
Companions
Monique Forget Leroux [promotion within the Order]
Officers
Yusuf Altintas
Pamela Geraldine Appelt
Martha Rachel Friendly
Mellissa Veronica Fung
Chit Chan Gunn [promotion within the Order]
Beverley Jean Johnston
Daniel Gérald Lavoie
Lindsay Machan
Daphne Maurer
Charles M. Morin
Kent George Nagano [honorary appointment]
Jack Cyril Pearpoint
Stephen Shawn Poloz
Kenneth John Rockwood
Frances Estelle Reed Simons
Douglas Wade Stephan
Jozef Straus
Vaira Vike-Freiberga [honorary appointment]
Members
Joe Brock Average
Vickie Elaine Baracos
Christi Marlene Belcourt
David Gordon Ben
Daniel Georges Bichet
bill bissett
John Allan Cairns
Mark Joseph Cameron
Pierre Chastenay
Edward Herman Cole
John Terry Copp
The Reverend Michael Creal
Budhendranauth Doobay
Nima Gyaltsen Dorjee
Elder Jane Rose Dragon
Marcelle Dubois
Leonard John Edwards.
Lee Edward Errett
Brian Ross Evans
William Anthony Fox
Janine Elizabeth Fuller
Rosemary Burns Ganley
Arnie Gelbart
Franklyn Griffiths
Sylvia D. Hamilton
Madeleine D. Humer.
Jane Knott Hungerford
Captain Sidney Joseph Hynes
William Janzen
Tina Jones
Christina Jean Keeper
Judy M. Kent
William James Gordon Kirby
James Gregory Kyte
Patrick Joseph Lahey
The Honourable Susan Elizabeth Lang
Barry Paul Lapointe
Myrna Eunilda Lashley
Avril R. Lavigne
Pierre Legault
Brandt Channing Louie
Bruce A. Lourie
Zoe N. Lucas
Mother Pierre Anne Rosaria Mandato
Bruno Marti
Theresa Helen Matthias
James David Meekison
Richard Kelly Miskokomon
Colleen Louise Murphy
Joyce Napier
Javaid Abbas Naqvi
Robert Panet-Raymond
E. Michael Perley
Dan Poenaru
Linda Rabeneck
Stephen James Randall
Solomon Ratt
Jonathan Scott Rose
Bibudhendra Sarkar
Frances Marjorie Shaver
Donald George Simpson
Marvin R. V. Storrow
Jack Edward Taunton
Charles E. Weaselhead
