Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

The Governor General presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, November 21, 2014. He bestowed the honour on 2 Companions, 18 Officers and 22 Members. The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

General A. John G. D. de Chastelain, C.C., C.M.M., C.D., C.H. (Ret’d) (Ottawa, Ontario) has dedicated his life to the promotion of peace and security around the world. Upon the completion of his second term at the helm of the Canadian Armed Forces, he was sought to assist with the multi-party peace negotiations in Northern Ireland. For over a decade, he played a key role in the negotiations that led to the signing of the Northern Ireland peace agreement and was subsequently selected to chair the independent body tasked with decommissioning paramilitary arms held by various factions of the conflict, which ultimately helped to bring stability to the region. This is a promotion within the Order.

The design of the insignia of the Order of Canada dates from 1967, and is credited to Bruce Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D. The technical drawings used by the Royal Canadian Mint in this new generation of the insignia were developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority at the Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The insignia is manufactured by the Mint at its Ottawa facility.

The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”), surmounted by the Royal Crown. It is struck in fine silver and is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, annulus and maple leaf. The colour is added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent enamel.

"As you in this room demonstrate, the members, officers and companions of the Order are involved a remarkable range of activities that extend into every region of Canada," said the Governor General. "As a network of Canadians you therefore have the opportunity to be a remarkable force for change, above and beyond what you have already accomplished."

Glenn Pushelberg, O.C. and George Yabu, O.C. (Toronto, Ontario) have left an indelible mark on the global interior design industry. For more than 30 years, as founders of their own firm, they have been transforming public spaces in the luxury retail, hospitality and restaurant sectors. Now regarded as one of the top design firms in the world, they have created beautiful, timeless and modern designs, often featuring original contemporary art installations. Committed champions of this industry in Canada, they fund an annual scholarship at Ryerson University and frequently hire its graduates. As philanthropists, they have also supported initiatives for gay, lesbian and transgender youth.

Marie-José Turcotte, C.M. (Montréal, Quebec) has brought a breath of fresh air to sports journalism and has helped to open the doors of the profession to women. She has worked for the CBC for over 30 years, notably winning acclaim as a commentator during the Olympic Games. As the first woman to host a television sports program in Quebec, she revolutionized the reporting process by systematically including a women-in-sports component in all her stories. She also set an example by highlighting the personal side of athletes in her interviews.

Robert Silverman, C.M. (Vancouver, British Columbia) has affirmed his place in the front rank of Canadian pianists. Known for his polished technique and moving interpretations of Beethoven, Liszt, Brahms and various Canadian composers, he has built an extensive discography that comprises over 40 CDs. Professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, he has combined the talents of an accomplished artist with those of an exceptional mentor and music educator, inspiring the next generation of pianists.

Bernard Grandmaître, C.M. (Ottawa, Ontario) is a veritable legend among Francophones in Ontario. Devoting his life to public service as the minister responsible for Francophone affairs, he came to be known as the “father of the French Language Services Act.” Through that legislation, he afforded Francophone communities the right to obtain government services in their own language in key sectors and helped to preserve the vitality of French culture. Renowned for his determination to make a difference, he also contributed to the development of his community as the mayor of the municipality of Vanier.

Dennis Cochrane's, C.M. (Moncton, New Brunswick) integrity, his passion for learning and his skills as an administrator have made him one of Canada’s most compelling educational advocates. He has been a junior high school teacher, a principal, a district superintendent, a university president and a deputy minister of education in two different provinces. In his every role, he has enriched Atlantic Canada’s educational landscape. His leadership was particularly integral to implementing early childhood development programming in the Maritimes.

Style icon Jeanne Beker, C.M. (Toronto, Ontario) is a leading figure in the fashion industry. A broadcaster, journalist and author, she is best known as the force behind “Fashion Television”, which ran for more than 25 years, and the Fashion Television Channel. Throughout her career, she has championed Canadian designers, helping to build television and Web forums to showcase their designs to the world. In addition, she is front of house and behind the scenes for a variety of events in support of such charities as Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, FashionCares and Dress for Success.

Colm Feore, O.C. (Stratford, Ontario) is a brilliant actor and master of his craft. Classically trained, he began his career on the stages of the Stratford Festival, to which he regularly returns to enthrall audiences with his talent and versatility. His outstanding work on Broadway, television and film encompasses both Canadian and international productions, several of which have featured him working in French. He has also volunteered with such organizations as Reel Canada, which engages youth in recognizing and promoting Canada’s unique cultural identity.

Frances Cutler, O.C. (Ottawa, Ontario) is a model of determination and volunteer service. A producer and executive producer at the CBC for more than 30 years, she mentored journalists and broadcasters while helping to make the workplace sensitive to people with physical challenges. The first woman with vision loss to serve as chair of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, she was also a founding director of Voiceprint, our national broadcast reading service. Leading by example, she has helped many people who are blind or partially sighted lead full and independent lives.

The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., O.N.B. (Toronto, Ontario) is making a profound impact on society through her philanthropy and advocacy. From funding programs at universities and hospitals, to supporting initiatives that empower women and promote early childhood education, she has been a hands-on leader, providing strategic guidance to countless organizations. Her contributions to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have had a powerful effect on its patients and have set an example for future donors to follow. She is also a highly regarded champion of early childhood development and has long advocated for greater social justice, diversity and fairness throughout our nation. This is a promotion within the Order.

Their Excellencies are pictured with the newly invested Order of Canada recipients.