Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

The Governor General presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on May 3, 2013. 25 Members, 18 Officers and 1 Companion were recognized for a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community or service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Dyane Adam, C.M. (Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Quebec) has helped to strengthen Canada’s social fabric. A psychologist by profession and principal of Glendon College at York University, she was responsible for maintaining the institution’s bilingual mission. She then became the first woman and Franco-Ontarian to serve as commissioner of official languages, protecting and promoting linguistic duality across Canada. She also channelled her passion into advancing the status of women as founding president of the Collectif des femmes francophones du Nord-Est ontarien pour l’avancement de l’éducation.

"You come from northern Canada, from the West, from Quebec and Ontario and the Atlantic provinces," said His Excellency. "In this sense alone, you represent the great diversity of this vast country of ours. But you are also representative in another sense: in the remarkable depth and breadth of your experience and abilities."

Throughout her law career, The Honourable Louise Charron, C.C. (Ottawa, Ontario) demonstrated extraordinary dedication to serving the public interest. Specializing in criminal law, she quickly rose through the ranks of the judiciary and set herself apart by her forward-thinking approach to social issues. She distinguished herself at the Ontario Court of Appeal, where she played a key role in advancing the rights of same-sex couples. She is also credited with a series of significant legal precedents at the Supreme Court, where she became the first Franco-Ontarian named to the highest court. Moreover, she was particularly interested in promoting French common law, developing courses and teaching material as a professor at the University of Ottawa. She has also generously contributed to the ongoing training of judges within the National Judicial Institute.

For decades, Sharon Pollock, O.C. (Calgary, Alberta) has brought her passionate and provocative voice to Canadian theatre. As a playwright, she has produced an outstanding and award-winning body of work, which has both entertained and challenged audiences. Her plays have been produced by major and alternative theatres throughout North America, Europe and Asia; many of them are now considered classics in the Canadian theatre repertoire. She has also been a mentor to young playwrights and has fostered their development on the national theatre scene.

A pioneering creator, Victor Pilon, O.C., R.V.M. (Montréal, Quebec) works in both the visual and performing arts. The official photographer of Royal visits to Canada for nearly 20 years, he has made his mark over three decades, most notably as artistic co-director of Lemieux Pilon 4d art. Director, scenographer and designer, he developed a unique virtual reality technology, and created original, distinctive works for the stage and for large public events, including La belle et la bête and Norman. His installation and imaging talents have greatly influenced the arts in Canada and elsewhere in the world.

A leading figure in epidemiology, Prabhat Jha, O.C. (Toronto, Ontario) has made outstanding contributions to global health. A University of Toronto Chair in Disease Control, and the founding director of the Centre for Global Health Research at St. Michael’s Hospital, he is recognized for his large-scale research on HIV/AIDS, tobacco, malaria and female feticide. His findings—notably from his work as the principal investigator of the Million Death Study, which examines premature deaths in India—have influenced health programs worldwide and have saved countless lives.

A staunch defender of all things Canadian, The Honourable Sheila Copps, P.C., O.C. (Ottawa, Ontario) always stands up for what she believes in. Our first female deputy prime minister, she is best known for her contributions as the minister of Canadian Heritage and as a champion of cultural, Aboriginal and women’s issues. For decades, she has encouraged women to participate in public life by supporting such groups as Equal Voice and the Famous 5 Foundation. A strong advocate for cultural diversity, she has been involved in projects as diverse as the rebuilding of a Hindu temple in Hamilton and the construction of a new school in Haiti.

Actress and radio host Marina Orsini, C.M. (Montréal, Quebec) is a darling of Quebec culture. Beginning with her sensational breakthrough on the cult television series “Lance et compte,” other roles on the small and large screens have followed. Performing equally well in English and French, she is renowned for her natural gift for portraying her characters with authenticity. Memorably, she immortalized the characters of Émilie Bordeleau in Les filles de Caleb, and Dr. Lucille Teasdale in Dr. Lucille. Host of the popular radio program “5 à 8 de Marina” on Rouge fm, she is also known for her community involvement, notably with Tel-jeunes, for which she has been the spokesperson for over two decades.

Paul Henderson, C.M. (Mississauga, Ontario) has used his iconic status to promote teamwork, fair play and community service. A former hockey player, he is best known for his historic game-winning goals for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series. He has since inspired thousands of Canadians as a motivational speaker and founder of the LeaderImpact Group, a faith-based organization that promotes family values and community participation to business leaders. He also volunteers with youth sports associations and supports a range of charitable organizations.

Dana W. Hanson, C.M. (Fredericton, New Brunswick) has been an advocate for the medical profession provincially, nationally and internationally. A dermatologist, he has championed physician health and medical ethics as head of many professional associations. As president of the Canadian Medical Association, he was instrumental in establishing the Centre for Physician Health and Well-being, which provides education, research and coordination in this area. He also steered the World Medical Association, providing guidance to physicians internationally on patient rights and medical ethics.

A technology entrepreneur, Dennis Covill, C.M. (Hacketts Cove, Nova Scotia) is highly regarded for his vision and innovation. In the 1970s, he founded Nautel Limited to develop the first-ever, solid-state, high-powered radio beacon. He then built his company, based in rural Nova Scotia, into a world leader, especially in radio broadcasting, by extending this same breakthrough technology to other product areas. Also known for his philanthropy, he has made significant contributions to health care and educational organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Their Excellencies are pictured with the recipients that were invested into the Order of Canada on May 3, 2013.