The Vancouver-born star was among 88 new appointees announced this week for the honour, which “recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions” to Canada.
B.C.’s own Deadpool — er, Ryan Reynolds — has been appointed to the Order of Canada.
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Reynolds, most well-known for starring in the popular Deadpool franchise, was honoured for his support of various Canadian charities, including Water First Education, Covenant House Vancouver, and the SickKids Foundation.
He and wife Blake Lively have also launched Group Effort Initiative, an initiative that strives to “create a pipeline for members of under-represented communities to get real experience towards lasting careers within the entertainment industry.”
“There’s a surreal aspect to this that isn’t lost on me at all,” he said in the 2023 interview.
“There is an element to this that feels a little bit like St. Peter at the gate and looking back at your life and watching only highlights, no lowlights which is kind of nice. I appreciate St. Peter’s editing. So, there’s that aspect, but it’s just an incredible honour to be recognized by my home.
“I don’t know a more succinct way to put it. This is a homecoming in every sense. I was pretty moved listening to those folks talk about me as if I can’t hear them.”
Other British Columbians who also received or were promoted within the Order of Canada this month are:
Officers
Ronald Frank Burnett, O.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“President emeritus of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Ron Burnett is dedicated to arts education. He continues to solidify the school’s international reputation as a leader in the arts, speaking and writing in Canada and abroad while working with the Centre for Transdisciplinary Studies and Learning Development Institute. This is a promotion within the Order.”
Stan Douglas, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“Stan Douglas is a renowned, Vancouver-based artist whose multimedia works re-examine pivotal historical events and technology’s role in shaping collective memory. He has represented Canada at many international exhibitions including the 2022 Venice Biennale, and his thought-provoking work has been shown around the world, notably in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy and the United States.”
Marco Antonio Marra, O.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“Marco Marra propelled Canada to the forefront of genome research. A world-renowned scientist, he led large-scale initiatives and groundbreaking work in sequencing the SARS coronavirus genome, and highlighted the underlying causes of cancers and new treatment strategies. Formerly director of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, he continues the global fight against cancer.”
David Richard McCann, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“David McCann is a respected businessman, philanthropist and community leader in the fight against child poverty in Vancouver. A defender of human rights, he was a catalyst in an investigation that uncovered decades of abuse at two Ontario schools and helped negotiate a groundbreaking reconciliation agreement for survivors, which has become a template used around the world.”
Jeffrey John McDonnell, O.C.
Vernon, British Columbia
“Jeffrey McDonnell is an influential leader in hydrology. A distinguished professor of hydrology at the University of Saskatchewan, he has transformed the understanding of streamflow generation and the water cycle through his research. As one of the world’s leading hydrologists, he has had a seminal scientific impact on the field.”
Tricia Catherine Smith, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“Tricia Smith has been a passionate advocate for sport for decades. She has been an esteemed leader in numerous roles, including president of the Canadian Olympic Committee and member of the International Olympic Committee. She continues to champion women in sport and the unique value of sports in society.
This is a promotion within the Order.”
Members
Donald Alder, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“Don Alder is one of the top acoustic fingerstyle guitarists in the world. He has a deep commitment to raising awareness and creating access for people with physical challenges. He has volunteered his time and expertise with the Canadian Paralympic team and the Vancouver Adapted Music Society, and is on the board of directors for Empower Through Music.”
Donald A. Dippo, C.M.
Comox, British Columbia
“Donald Dippo is passionate about education equity. For decades, this educator and advocate has increased educational access for children and teachers at home and abroad, from Toronto and eastern Africa, to South and Central America. He is also the co-founder of the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees program, based in the Dadaab Refugee Camps.”
Mariette Doduck, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“For more than 50 years, Marie Doduck has been a leader in Holocaust education and philanthropy in Vancouver. She co-founded the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre and has shared her survivor story with thousands. As the first woman to serve as president of the Beth Israel Synagogue Board, she champions community engagement and fundraising initiatives.”
Morna Edmundson, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
“Morna Edmundson is an award-winning choral director and the co-founder of the Elektra Women’s Choir. An inspiring mentor whose innovative programming, commissions and engagement serve as a lasting legacy for the choral community, she has helped establish Vancouver’s national and worldwide reputation as a choral mecca.”
Michael J. Prince, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia
“Michael Prince is a social and public policy expert who has made significant contributions to disability rights in Canada. He has advised federal, provincial and territorial governments and served on four royal commissions. An esteemed mentor, he is highly regarded for his activism and advocacy of inclusion and accessibility.”
Allan Douglas George Wade, C.M.
Duncan, British Columbia
“Family therapist Allan Wade specializes in addressing and preventing violence. By examining how adults and children endure, respond to and resist violence, he has helped inform practical applications in social, justice and health services in Canada and beyond. A co-developer of Response-Based Practice, he employs social justice principles to restore dignity after harm.”
Mark Zuehlke, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia
“Mark Zuehlke is Canada’s leading writer of popular military history. A former journalist and celebrated author, he has distinguished himself through his Canadian Battle Series, which has greatly enhanced our understanding of Canada’s military contributions, particularly during the Second World War. His award-winning mystery series set in Tofino has entertained audiences nationwide.”
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