British Columbian Artists, Publishers, Among New Appointees to the Order of Canada

Members of British Columbia's arts, culture and heritage community are among the latest 86 appointees to the Order of Canada, announced on July 1. 

The Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Among the 12 new British Columbian appointees to the Members of the Order of Canada are:

Kim Baird, former Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation, "for her contributions to the social and economic well-being of her people, notably in securing a historic urban treaty;"

Eleanor Collins, jazz legend, "for her pioneering achievements as a jazz vocalist, and for breaking down barriers and fostering race relations in the mid-20th century;"

Dorothy Grant, fashion designer and traditional Haida artist, "for her contributions to the fashion industry as a Haida artist, designer and mentor;" 

Antony Holland "for his achievements as an actor and teacher, notably for founding Langara College’s Studio 58 to cultivate the next generation of Canadian performers;"

Jim Munro of Victoria's Munro Books, "for his vital championship of countless Canadian writers and for his sustained community engagement as an independent bookseller;" 

Karl Siegler, former Talonbooks publisher, "for his tireless promotion of Canada’s small publishing houses and for his efforts to safeguard their interests and welfare;" and

Alan Twigg, publisher of B.C. Bookworld and the public reference site ABC Bookworld, "for his countless contributions to the promotion of British Columbian literature and publishing." 

Other inductees from across the country include filmmaker David Cronenberg, appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada (C.C.), retired astronaut Chris Hadfield, and comedian Rick Mercer, both appointed as Officers (O.C.). For a full list of recipients, click here. 

The recipients will be presented with their insignia at a later date.