Source: Toronto Star
September 23, 2016
Gov. Gen. David Johnston presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall today as 46 distinguished Canadians joined or were promoted up the ranks.
The honorees include distinguished African Canadian author, Lawrence Hill; Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Bob Cole; Indigo Books and Kobo founder Heather Reisman; women’s hockey pioneer Fran Rider; former Canada privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart; geneticist Brenda Andrews and actor Don McKellar.
Friday’s ceremony included one companion, nine officers and 36 members — the three tiers of the order.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6,000 people have been invested.
Citation for Lawrence Hill
Lawrence Hill, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario
As an author and social activist, Lawrence Hill has helped us better understand the Black experience in Canada. His books Blood: The Stuff of Life, Any Known Blood and The Book of Negroes have captivated readers around the world and have encouraged discussions about race, identity and belonging from historical and contemporary perspectives. An outspoken advocate of freedom of expression and racial equality, he has also been engaged with such organizations as Crossroads International, Book Club for Inmates and the Black Loyalist Heritage Society.
Source: The Governor General of Canada