VICTORIA – Nominations are now open for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour for individuals who have served with great distinction or excelled in any field.
British Columbians are encouraged to consider and nominate inspiring individuals who have left a lasting legacy in their respective fields. The Order of British Columbia is one way of rewarding and recognizing those British Columbians whose extraordinary contributions and achievements have contributed to a better quality of life in the province and beyond.
“As the Province’s highest honour, the Order of British Columbia recognizes the outstanding contributions and achievements of our citizens,” said Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia. “I encourage you to nominate those individuals in your community whose leadership, dedication and extraordinary accomplishments strengthen the integrity of our province and contribute to a better future for all.”
Since the Order of British Columbia was established in 1989, the Province has recognized 402 British Columbians from a variety of sectors including the business, volunteer, arts and sporting communities. Previous recipients include:
* Baljit Sethi, advocate for immigrants and for equality (2011)
* Dr. Robert Thirsk, astronaut, mechanical engineer and physician (2012)
* George Bowering, First Poet Laureate of Canada and historian (2004)
* Dr. Allen Eaves, Leading leukemia specialist and founder of the largest
biotechnology company in Canada (2016)
* Ellen White, social activist and medicine woman (2011)
* Diana Krall, jazz vocalist and pianist (2000)
* Trevor Linden, NHL hockey player and humanitarian (2003)
“Receiving the Order of B.C. was truly one of the highlights of my life,” said Red Robinson, 2016 inductee to the Order. “There are so many worthy British Columbians and to be included on the 2016 list was a great honour. It was a most memorable day and evening. As inductees from various disciplines came together for the ceremony it was impressive to hear their stories. This kid from Fanny Bay, Vancouver Island was so grateful.”
An independent advisory council, chaired by the chief justice of British Columbia, will consider nominations. All nominations must be submitted to the Honours and Awards Secretariat office in Victoria by Friday, March 3, 2017, to be considered this year. Nominations received after the March 3 will be processed for 2018. Successful nominees will be appointed to the order at a special ceremony at Government House in Victoria.
As well as the Order of B.C., people may nominate individuals for the Province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship. The medal recognizes citizens for their exceptional long-term service, and contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations are accepted year round.
The Order of B.C. is online at: http://www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca
