Just announced:

OTTAWA (CP) - A retired Supreme Court justice, a business tycoon and a former Czech president are among 109 new appointees to the Order of Canada.

Claire L'Heureux-Dube, Andre Desmarais and Vaclav Havel will get their insignia from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson at ceremonies later this year. Dube was named a companion of the order - the highest level - while Desmarais was named an officer, the second-highest tier. Havel was appointed an honorary companion.

Ten promotions within the order were also announced, including singer Gordon Lightfoot and Marc Garneau, Canada's first man in space, who were named companions.

Other notable appointments include:

- Former deputy prime minister Herb Gray as companion.

- Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy as officer.

- Former federal NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin as officer

- Former Ontario lieutenant governor Hilary Weston as member.

L'Heureux-Dube, who retired from the Supreme Court last year, was the first female judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec. An ardent feminist, she distinguished herself through her actions aimed at eliminating social inequality, promoting family law and women's issues, and raising awareness about minority rights. Her dissenting views are known for having motivated several judicial reforms.

Desmarais, who is married to Prime Minister Jean Chretien's daughter France, is president of Power Corp. He is a member of international agencies that promote trade and is known for philanthropic and volunteer commitments.

Havel was a playwright who went on to become the first president of the independent Czech Republic. He promoted respect for human rights and the importance of international dialogue on the world stage.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour.

Three different levels of membership - companion, officer and member - honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope.

Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the chief justice of Canada. The Governor General is the chancellor and principal companion of the order.


#######################################

And from the "Globe and Mail":

Order of Canada honorees named


By ALLISON LAWLOR
Globe and Mail Update


POSTED AT 4:08 PM EDT Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003


Astronaut Marc Garneau and singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot are promoted to companions of the Order of Canada — the order's highest honour, Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson announced Tuesday.

Ms. Clarkson, who announced 109 new appointments to the Order, also named former Czech president Vaclav Havel as an honorary companion to the Order.

Mr. Garneau and Mr. Lightfoot were among seven Canadians named to the companion level of the Order. Other appointees included 30 officers and 71 members of the Order. The three different levels of membership honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. There can only be 165 living companions at any given time.

Since 1967, more than 4,000 people have received the Order of Canada. The complete list includes all persons appointed to the Order since 1967. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The Governor-General is the chancellor and principal companion of the Order.





[This message has been edited by Auburn Annie (edited August 05, 2003).]

Thanks Annie, does this mean that Gord will be venturing out to receive this honour? I sort of remember him receiving the Order of Canada was it in 98? What an honour for him. Thanks for the post.

This just confirms what we have known all along...Gord is a GREAT "companion!"

Any relatable award Gordon Lightfoot gets,I know he so richly deserves. Congrats. Mr. Lightfoot! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Now! On to the R&R Hall Of Fame and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame! (Nobel Peace Prize? http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif )

------------------
Borderstone (An,"Avid Listner" of G.L.)

quote:Originally posted by brink:
Thanks Annie, does this mean that Gord will be venturing out to receive this honour? I sort of remember him receiving the Order of Canada was it in 98? What an honour for him. Thanks for the post.

I expect he'll be there - presentations are made in a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. According to the Governor General's site on the Order of Canada awards: "New appointments to the Order are made twice each year and lists are announced around New Year's Day and Canada Day. The ceremony takes place at Rideau Hall, and is broadcast on CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel. Three ceremonies are held each year...."
For more information on the awards, see the FAQ at http://www.gg.ca/honours/faqoc_e.asp

Gordie actually received the Order of Canada in 1970. In 1998 he received the Governor General Award for Performing Arts. I think people tend to get the two mixed up as they are both huge honours here in Canada. Good for you Gord!