Film and television actress Sandra Oh and track and field champion Donovan Bailey are among dozens of performers, athletes, supporters and experts recently named Canada’s highest political honor.
Governor General Mary Simon announced 85 nominees for the Order of Canada on Wednesday, advertising decorators in areas such as film, music, science, politics, business, academia, sports and culture.
The star of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve” Oh was named an officer of the Order of Canada for her success on stage and on screen, while Bailey was named an officer for his athletic excellence and philanthropic commitment to young and amateur athletes. .
“For me, I just want to be a great example for young Canadians that they can follow in their footsteps,” Bailey said before announcing in Vancouver.
“Hopefully I was one of those positive people who (inspire others to) believe that Canada should be positive and Canada should be confident and Canada can tackle anyone and win gold.”
Director / screenwriter François Girard of Montreal and Angela James of Richmond Hill, OD, who was one of the first female hockey superstars, were also named high-achieving officers or service officers in Cana.
The new members of the guild – who are honored for outstanding service in a particular community or sector – include Toronto music industry veteran Al Mair.  former Nancy Uqquujuk Karetak-Lindell MP from Arviat, Nunavut; and HIV / AIDS researcher Martin T. Schechter from Vancouver.
Karetak-Lindell says she was only five years old when she started thinking about how she could serve her small northern community.
Sixty years later, he can look back on a public service career that includes work for the district council and education authority and as a liberal member of parliament from 1997 to 2008.
“I come from a family that has been taught to help others and to do so with care, love and respect, without seeking recognition.  “So to believe that people feel I deserved to be given this Order of Canada is a real honor,” he said when he arrived in Arviat.
“And of course being Inuk means a lot more, as the Governor General today is also Inuk.”
One in 10 children, Karetak-Lindell says she was encouraged to respect others and never forget where she came from.  She exemplifies role models such as her uncle and Inuit leader Tagak Kerley.  her father, who was a special constable in the RCMP.  and her mother, “a woman before her time” who served in local councils and male-dominated organizations.
“Our community is one of those people who are constantly trying to help their fellow human beings.  And this is the environment in which I grew up, along with the influence of my parents.  “But this community always makes me feel I could do more because they believe in me that I can do whatever I want to do.”
Mair earns his honor after working in the music industry from the age of 12 when he sold records at a music store after school.
He continued to contribute to the development of the Canadian scene by helping launch various careers, including that of singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, whom he managed for eight years.  Mair has also led several music organizations, including the Canadian Independent Music Association and the independent record label Attic Records.
He spotted his passion at Expo 67 in Montreal, an impressive global exhibition that marked Canada’s centenary and showcased domestic talent.
“I was convinced that Canadian artists could be at least equal to artists from any other country in the world, if not superior, and I always felt that way,” said Mair, whose roster included Lee Aaron, Triumph, Maestro Fresh-Wes.  , Nylons and Haywire.
“There was a lot of negativity among broadcasters that Canadian artists were second-class and not good enough.  “It was a real challenge to convince broadcasters and it literally took decades for Canadian artists to be fully accepted by the broadcasting industry.”
Other recipients announced on Wednesday are Dr.  William Clark of London, Ont., A nephrologist who researched the long-term health effects of the worst E. coli infection in Canada at Walkerton, Ont., 2000; to promote Mi’kmaq studies and awareness.
Recipients will be presented with their badges later in Ottawa, subject to availability.  Rideau Hall hosts an average of four ceremonies a year.
The honorees receive a silver badge in the shape of a snowflake with six edges with a red ring in the middle and a royal crown on top.  It also has a stylized maple leaf with the motto of the order: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, which means, “They want a better country”.
Founded in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievements, dedication to the community and service to the nation.  More than 7,600 people from all walks of life have been invested.