January 11, 2000

Publication title: Canadian Press NewsWire, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Ottawa
Writer: Unknown

Order of Canada appointments & promotions

OTTAWA (CP) – Singer Sarah McLachlan and newspaper columnist Jeffrey Simpson were among 81 Order of Canada appointees announced Tuesday. Both were named officers of the order.

Companions, officers and members are to receive their honours from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson at an investiture in Rideau Hall. No date has been set for the ceremony, but the appointments were effective Oct. 21.

The list of honours includes six promotions within the order.

Environmentalist Maurice Strong, former head of Petro-Canada, was promoted to companion. So was scientist Charles Leblond, former chairman of McGill University’s anatomy and cell biology department and author of more than 300 scientific articles. Rabbi Gunther Plaut, a leading human-rights activist best known for his work in race relations, was also promoted to companion.

Dr. Richard Cruess, former dean of medicine at McGill University, was made an officer, along with Ruth Goldbloom, president of the society that refurbished Pier 21 in Halifax, and Frederick Russell, a volunteer and former Newfoundland lieutenant-governor.

Besides McLachlan and Simpson, new appointees include musician Tom Jackson and Lorne Clarke, former Nova Scotia chief justice.

From local citizens to national and international personalities, the Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference in Canada.

Three levels of membership honour those whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope: member, officer and companion.

Since 1967, more than 4,000 people have received the order.

New appointments to the order are made twice each year and lists are announced around New Year’s Day and Canada Day. This was Clarkson’s first Order of Canada announcement. Three ceremonies are held each year.