BC Artists and Educators Among New Order of Canada Appointments

Governor General David Johnston announced on December 30 90 new appointments to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours. The new appointees include 4 Companions (C.C.), 25 Officers (O.C.) and 61 Members (C.M.).

Of these 90 appointments, 10 are British Columbians, including the following members of the arts and culture community:

West Vancouver writer and artist Douglas Coupland, O.C., for his contributions to our examination of the contemporary human condition as a novelist, cultural commentator and artist;

Sir John Daniel, O.C., for his advancement of open learning and distance education in Canada and around the world; 

UBC English professor Sherrill Grace, O.C., for her contributions to promoting Canadian culture and identity through her collection of published works;

Opera singer and director of the UBC Opera ensemble Nancy Hermiston, O.C., for her achievements as an opera singer, stage director, and educator; 

Qualicum Beach jazz musician Phil Dwyer, C.M., for his contributions to jazz as a performer, composer and producer, and for increasing access to music education in his community;

Vancouver philanthropist Djavad Mowafaghian, C.M., O.B.C., for his quiet generosity in support of health, education and the well-being of children;

President of Emily Carr University Ron Burnett, C.M., for his leadership in arts education.

Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date. For a full list of the latest Order of Canada recipients, click here. 

Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada.