Lieutenant Governor's Awards

Order of Manitoba

May 12, 2009

Twelve to Receive Order of Manitoba

Twelve new members will be inducted into the Order of Manitoba this year, Lt.-Gov. John Harvard, chancellor of the order, announced today.

Established under special legislation, the Order of Manitoba is the province’s highest honour. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.

“As we mark Manitoba Day, it is truly a pleasure to announce the names of the six women and six men who will be invested into the Order of Manitoba this July,” the lieutenant-governor said. “Each has made a unique mark on this province and its people with achievements that both impress and inspire.”

In making the announcement, the chancellor also noted that this year’s induction ceremony would be particularly meaningful as it marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Order of Manitoba.

Those to be invested in 2009 are:

• Abdo (Albert) El Tassi, C.M., leader in the Muslim community and promoter of peace and tolerance;
• Yhetta Miriam Gold, C.M., visionary advocate for seniors and the disabled;
• Kevin P. Kavanagh, C.M., business leader, education advocate and philanthropist;
• Sylvia Kuzyk, well-known Manitoba broadcaster and ardent supporter of the arts, community and charitable endeavours;
• Guy Maddin, internationally renowned filmmaker;
• Roland Mahé, long-time artistic director of Cercle Molière and promoter of the French language, culture and theatre;
• Joseph Meconse, Dene elder and Manitoba representative for Aboriginal veterans in Canada;
• Sylvia Ostry, C.C., distinguished economist and first female to be appointed a federal deputy minister, internationally respected for her expertise in international trade and economic policy;
• Frank Plummer, O.C., international expert in infectious diseases and much-honoured leader in HIV/AIDS research and public health;
• Corrine Scott, pioneer, role model and advocate for women in policing in Canada;
• Emoke Szathmáry, C.M., president emeritus, University of Manitoba; and
• Josephine Wright, who has provided decades of service to her community with the United Way of Winnipeg.

Recipients are selected by an independent advisory council which evaluates all nominations received and then recommends up to 12 candidates each year to the chancellor. Once inducted into the order, members may use the initials O.M. after their names for life.

This year’s investiture will take place at a ceremony to be held July 15 at the Manitoba Legislative Building. 

Contact: Dwight MacAulay, Secretary of the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council, 204-945-3939.