Governor General invests 45 recipients into the Order of Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of member of the Order of Canada to Peter Boneham, C.M. One of the longest-serving artistic directors in Canadian contemporary dance, Peter Boneham is known as a visionary leader.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of officer of the Order of Canada to Audrey Thomas, O.C. Audrey Thomas is one of our nation’s most accomplished fiction writers. In addition, she has been active in founding and running professional associations, notably the Writers’ Union of Canada.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of officer of the Order of Canada to Steven Staryk, O.C. Steven Staryk is regarded as one of Canada’s great violinists. He has been concertmaster with four world-famous orchestras, is one of the most-recorded Canadian classical musicians, and was a prolific performer in both North America and Europe for over 50 years.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of officer of the Order of Canada to Randolph C. (Randy) Bachman, O.C., O.M. An icon of Canadian rock music, Randy Bachman has written, performed and produced hit records and singles for more than four decades.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of member of the Order of Canada to John S. Speakman, C.M. A caring and dedicated professional, John Speakman has been at the forefront of providing eye care services in remote northern communities.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of member of the Order of Canada to Sister Christine Leyser, C.M. For more than 25 years, Christine Leyser has served as a pillar of her community and a beacon of hope for those marginalized in our society.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of member of the Order of Canada to Suzanne Lapointe, C.M. For more than 50 years, Suzanne Lapointe has held a special place in the artistic community and in the heart and soul of Quebec society.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of member of the Order of Canada to Marcien Ferland, C.M. Marcien Ferland has spent over 50 years working to preserve and promote French and Métis culture in Manitoba.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of member of the Order of Canada to Judith Chernin Budovitch, C.M. Judith Budovitch is dedicated to enriching the cultural and social fabric of her community and province.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, singing the National Anthem with the recipients and guests at the end of the ceremony.