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Governor General appoints 83 individuals to the Order of Canada

Cision Canada30-06-2025
OTTAWA, ON, June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has made 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including 2 Companions, 19 Officers and 62 Members. One appointment is a promotion within the Order, and another represents an honorary appointment.
The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Since its creation in 1967, more than 8 200 people from all sectors of society have been appointed to the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
List of new appointees and descriptions of their contributions
Quote
"Congratulations to the newest appointees to the Order of Canada. We proudly recognize each of these individuals whose dedication and passion for service not only enrich our communities but also help shape the fabric of our nation. Together, they inspire us to strive for greatness and to foster a future filled with hope and possibility."
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
Quick Facts:
The Order of Canada is one of our country's highest honours. It recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.
The motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM, translates to "They desire a better country."
Anyone can nominate a person for the Order of Canada. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis and can be made on gg.ca.
The Governor General made these appointments on April 17, 2025, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. A person officially becomes a Member of the Order of Canada on the day the instrument of appointment is sealed with the Seal of the Order of Canada and signed by the governor general.
A Member or an Officer of the Order of Canada can be promoted to a higher level if they demonstrate further exceptional achievement. Nominations for a promotion can be considered a minimum of five years after the last appointment.
Non-Canadians are eligible for honorary appointment to the Order if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada.
New Members of the Order will be invited to a ceremony at a later date to be invested and to receive their insignia. The dates of these ceremonies will be announced in due course.
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He helped pioneer the use of helicopters at sea and worked to make Canada's naval aviation community one of the most capable in the world during the Cold War. Destined for high command, he held key roles with Air Command (now the Royal Canadian Air Force) in Winnipeg, commanded CFB Shearwater, and contributed to NATO operations in Europe, where he was instrumental in implementing the crucial Airborne Warning and Control System, designed to detect aircraft, ships, and vehicles at long ranges and to control and command the battle space in an air engagement. Upon returning to Canada, he became the commander of Air Command, serving in this role until his retirement in 1989. Throughout his career, Lt.-Gen. (Retd) Ashley worked to benefit his community. He has been involved with the Shearwater Aviation Museum for most of his life and was a founding Director of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Foundation. 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Today, it's an honour to celebrate his remarkable contributions." The Honourable Darren Fisher Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour "Parks Canada is honoured to induct Lieutenant-General (Retd) Larry Ashley as Canada's newest Hometown Hero. He joins a growing list of Canadians recognized for their leadership, community service, and dedication to making a difference. I invite all Canadians to discover his story and those of other Hometown Heroes who have helped build the Canada we know today." Ron Hallman President and Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada "Lieutenant-General (Retd) Larry Ashley exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve—both in uniform and in the community. As the only Royal Canadian Navy officer ever to command Canada's Air Force, his career broke new ground and built enduring bridges between our naval and air forces. 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To date, more than 140 individuals nationwide have been honoured, showcasing the profound influence of community engagement and the spirit of collective effort. Parks Canada's Hometown Heroes program Parks Canada mobile application Parks Canada Website SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)

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