The latest people set to receive Manitoba’s highest honour include a former senator and judge, a former legislative Speaker and the chief public health officer.
Twelve Manitobans will receive the Order of Manitoba in a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on July 11. The order honours people “who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.” The names of all members are on permanent display in the building.
One of the twelve incoming members is Murray Sinclair, the former senator who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba. Myrna Driedger, who was an MLA for 25 years and served two terms as Speaker, will also be joining the order. Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, became well-known to Manitobans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Murray Sinclair speaks during a public safety summit at the RBC Convention Centre on April 30. (MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES)
Other people being invested include Dr. Marcia Anderson, who served as the public health lead for Manitoba’s First Nations COVID-19 response team; Métis/Saulteaux elder Mae Louise Campbell, who has spent 45 years working with Indigenous women and two-spirit people; and David Johnston, who founded the benefit plan company Johnston Group and developed the Johnston Family Foundation.
The other six Manitobans are arts and culture supporters James Cohen and Michel Lagacé, musician Ron Paley, firefighter and community fundraiser Chad Swayze, United Way president Connie Walker and philanthropist Bob Williams.
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