This year’s list of recipients appointed to the Order of Canada was finally revealed on Wednesday, showcasing a select group of Canadians who’ve made lasting contributions to their communities.
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future,” Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said in a news release. “Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries.”
Established in 1967, more than 8,000 Canadians have been appointed to the country’s highest order.
This year will see 88 new appointments, including top university professors and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable names this year.
Ryan Reynolds, O.C., O.B.C.
Ryan Reynolds, O.C., O.B.C.
Best known for his on-screen presence that captivated worldwide audiences, Reynolds has supported Canadian causes including Water First Education, Covenant House Vancouver and Sick Kids Foundation, and co-founded initiatives to increase opportunities for under-represented groups.
Maureen Ann Jennings, O.C
Maureen Ann Jennings, O.C
An author known for her historical crime novels, which led to the long-running Canadian TV show Murdoch Mysteries, Jennings is a mentor to fellow writers and received the Grandmaster Award from Crime Writers of Canada.
Scott Oake, C.M., O.M.
Scott Oake, C.M., O.M.
A longtime sports broadcaster for CBC Sports, Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada, Oake is an advocate for addiction recovery. He also co-founded the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, which serve marginalized populations across Canada.
Steve Murphy
Steve Murphy
A former CTV News anchor, Murphy’s regional and national broadcasting career earned recognition as the top-rated dinnertime newscast in the Maritimes. He the host of the Christmas Daddies and annual IWK Telethon for Children fundraisers.
Pinchas Gutter, C.M.
Pinchas Gutter, C.M.
Gutter is a renowned Holocaust educator, recognized for his promotion of transformational dialogue on human rights and revered for his volunteer service. He has been featured in the virtual reality films that expose the horrors of the concentration camps, and his memoir is taught in classrooms across Canada.
Christiane Rousseau, O.C., O.Q.
Christiane Rousseau, O.C., O.Q.
Christiane Rousseau was the driving force behind the International Year of Mathematics of Planet Earth in 2013, which highlighted the role of mathematics in tackling global challenges. She lobbied UNESCO to have March 14 declared the “International Day of Mathematics,” which she is working to have celebrated in every school on the planet.
Randy Lennox, O.C.
Randy Lennox, O.C.
A leader of prominent music, media and entertainment companies such as Universal Music Canada and Bell Media, Lennox created innovative businesses dedicated to showcasing Canadian talent on the international stage.
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