Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Wadih M. Fares, C.M. (Halifax, Nova Scotia) exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and community service. Escaping the civil war in Lebanon as a teenager, he came to Nova Scotia, learned English, graduated from university and founded his own company. A talented innovator, he combined architecture, engineering, construction and property management into one company that has transformed Halifax’s landscape and helped boost the local economy. His community engagement has benefited many local institutions and organizations, and he is highly regarded for building bridges between Canadian and Lebanese communities regionally and nationally.

The Governor General, who is chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, bestowed the honour on 27 Members, 16 Officers and 1 Companion, during an investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall.

"You express your talent through different disciplines of human endeavour," said His Excellency. "Yours is a wide spectrum of triumph that spans science, athletics, business, advocacy, fashion, public service, health care and medicine, journalism and broadcasting, culture and the performing arts. While your fields and accomplishments differ, you are united. United in a singular desire to use your talent, wisdom and generosity to enrich our country and enhance the lives of your fellow citizens."

The Honourable William Ian Corneil Binnie, C.C. (Toronto, Ontario) has made enduring contributions to law in Canada. Following a brilliant career as an advocate, he was appointed directly from the bar to the Supreme Court, where he served with wisdom and dedication for 14 years. His public service, which also included four years as associate deputy minister of Justice, was marked by superb intellect and superior writing, analysis and wit. As a constitutional expert, he demonstrated an abiding concern for issues affecting Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and was instrumental in developing the country’s jurisprudence in this area. Committed to legal education, he is a gifted speaker who has addressed law students across the country, sharing his passion for the rule of law and his desire for a just society.

A player, coach and manager, Pat Quinn, O.C. (Vancouver, British Columbia) is passionate about the game of hockey. He served behind the bench of five National Hockey League teams and was twice named Coach of the Year for his work with the Vancouver Canucks and the Philadelphia Flyers. At the international level, he led Team Canada to an Olympic gold medal in 2002, brought home the World Cup in 2004, and won world titles with the under-20 and under-18 teams. Off the ice, he supports a variety of charitable causes.

Jean-François Lépine, O.C. (Montréal, Quebec) is a distinguished journalist. One of our top foreign correspondents, he is renowned as an extraordinary analyst with an ability to simplify complex issues. A proponent of quality information, he hosted such public affairs television programs for Radio-Canada as “Enjeux,” “Le Point” and “Zone libre.” While producing and presenting in-depth reports with sensitivity and diligence, he also had a hand, as a journalist-presenter, in creating the international affairs program “Une heure sur terre.” The excellence of his work, as both a reporter and a host, has been honoured with several awards.

At the height of her 25-year career, Marie Saint Pierre, C.M., C.Q. (Montréal, Quebec) is a leading figure on Canada’s fashion scene. Ever the avant-garde designer, she creates versatile, unconventional clothing that is designed and made in Montréal, and her line has garnered international renown. Furthermore, she combines fashion and social involvement, working to benefit causes that are dear to her, including the Sous Zéro fund, which she created to provide underprivileged children on Montréal Island with warm, new winter clothing.

For over 40 years, Jean-Guy Rioux, C.M. (Shippagan, New Brunswick) has dedicated himself to shining a spotlight on the Acadian people. This volunteer, former teacher and university administrator is renowned as an advocate for equality between the linguistic communities of his province. As president of the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick, he played a key role in the review of New Brunswick’s new Official Languages Act, thereby ensuring that essential services were provided in French. In addition, as president of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada and of the World Acadian Congress, he promoted a sense of pride and spirit of solidarity that continue to inspire his fellow citizens.

Aaju Peter, C.M. (Iqaluit, Nunavut) is an ardent defender of the rights of Canada’s northern Indigenous people. An Inuk clothing designer, lawyer and activist, she is committed to preserving Inuit culture and language. Travelling internationally, she has raised global awareness of the challenges confronting Canada’s most northern inhabitants. She also speaks about issues related to sustainability and resources, and their impact on the traditional way of life.

Author Bernice Morgan, C.M. (St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador) has made an indelible contribution to Newfoundland’s literary scene. She is best-known for her novels Random Passage and Waiting for Time, which are beloved for their portrayals of the women and men who struggled to survive in the outports during the 19th century. Her works have been influential in transmitting Newfoundland’s unique history and character to a wider audience, and she is highly regarded for her long-standing mentorship of her fellow writers.

Nancy Kilgour, C.M. (Calgary, Alberta) is one of Canada’s most inspiring and influential dance educators. For more than 50 years, she has been teaching ballet to young students in Canada and abroad, and has mentored many of our best-known dancers and prima ballerinas. She is highly regarded as a gifted pedagogue known for her teaching techniques and for talking to teens about life beyond ballet. Now with the School of Alberta Ballet, she continues to bring her passion and nurturing approach to building confidence and artistry in her dancers.

Their Excellencies are pictured with the recipients that were invested into the Order of Canada on November 23, 2012.