News and Events
Order of Canada recipients honoured in Toronto
The Order of Canada is the centerpiece of Canada’s 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.
In his address, Ambassador Markús Örn Antonsson pointed out the fact that people of Icelandic ancestry are now scattered and living in a number of different regions and cities all over Canada. The entire Icelandic community in Canada takes pride in congratulating persons of Icelandic descent who contribute greatly to their Canadian society and earn the highest recognition for their achievements. Traditionally, such success stories do not go unnoticed in Iceland either.
Consul General of Iceland in Toronto Jon Ragnar Johnson was Master of Ceremonies. Other speakers, who introduced the guests of honour, were Oskar Sigvaldason, Gail Einarson-McCleery and Lynn Friesen.
The Ambassador presented the guests of honour with a complete collection of the Icelandic Sagas in an English translation and Kara Schuster, President of the Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto, accredited them with Honorary Membership Certificates on behalf of the ICCT.
The Order of Canada recipients who were honoured at the ceremony in Toronto are: Betty Jane Wylie, Clara Will, Donald K. Johnson and Tom Cochrane. Mr. Cochrane was not present due to his commitments abroad.
Pianist Marc Koecher added to the pleasant ambiance of the reception that followed with his background music.
Citations to the Order of Canada recipients:
Betty Jane Wylie, MacTier, Ontario:
Her career as a writer has been diverse and enduring. A prolific playwright, Betty Jane Wylie has also written poetry, children's stories and non-fiction books on numerous topics. As well, she created several radio plays and had a daily column syndicated on radio stations across the country. After her husband's death, she penned the bestselling Beginnings: A Book for Widows, which has comforted countless people and launched her speaking career on the topic of widowhood. She has also given of her time to professional associations, serving as chair of the Writers' Union of Canada and in senior positions with the Playwrights Union of Canada.
Clara Will, Toronto, Ontario:
Clara Will is a trailblazer in early childhood development. In 1972, she founded Adventure Place, an early intervention centre for children with special needs and their families. As its executive director, she has pioneered programs that provide a team approach towards the assessment, treatment and education of these children. Her groundbreaking programs help to integrate children into mainstream society and are now models for other communities. As chair of the Early Years Action Group, and as a founding member of the Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth, she continues to foster change in the lives of young people and their families.
Donald K. Johnson, Toronto, Ontario:
Former Vice-Chairman of BMO Nesbitt Burns, Donald Johnson has lent his financial expertise to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, strengthening the social fabric of our country. His great determination and perseverance brought about major changes to the Income Tax Act, which introduced new incentives that have helped to revitalize the charitable sector with an infusion of funds. An active volunteer, he has worked tirelessly in support of the National Ballet of Canada, the Eye Research Institute of Canada, as well as the universities of Western Ontario and Manitoba.
Tom Cochrane, Oakville, Ontario
Tom Cochrane is a Canadian rock icon and a compassionate humanitarian. As a member of Red Rider and as a solo artist, he has connected with his fans through songs that recount stories and dreams that are unabashedly Canadian. He also touched on the universal values of hope and perseverance in his international hit, “Life is a Highway”. Highly regarded for his social engagement, he has raised awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, and raised funds for disaster relief in Asia. A Canadian spokesperson for World Vision and the Make Poverty History Campaign, he continues his crusade to improve the lives of those in need around the world.