29 October 2010
OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, September 3, 2010, at 10:30. The Governor General, who is Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, bestowed the honour on four Companions, 19 Officers and 30 Members.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA Willard S. Boyle, C.C. Halifax, N.S. The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, P.C., C.C. Paris, France and Vancouver, B.C. Ben Heppner, C.C. Toronto, Ont. Chantal Petitclerc, C.C., C.Q., M.S.M. Montréal, Que.
Chantal Petitclerc, C.C., C.Q., M.S.M. Montréal, Quebec Companion of the Order of Canada
Chantal Petitclerc is a model of determination and excellence. At the age of 13, an accident left her with a damaged spinal column and at the age of 18, she took part in her first wheelchair race. Although she finished last, she fell in love with racing. Since then, she has won the most medals in Canadian track and field history, with a total of 21 medals from five Paralympic Games. She also holds four world records and five Paralympic records. A spokesperson for Défi sportif and a sought-after guest speaker, she motivates people to conquer adversity and contributes to the development of handisports. She is a source of inspiration all around the world. Known for her achievements and as a role model for others, she has won the Laureus World Sports Award and was the first female Paralympic athlete to win the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s Athlete of the Year.
ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centrepiece of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
