April 07, 2010 (Ottawa, ON) – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will preside over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall today. The Governor General, who is Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, will bestow the honour on one Companion, 11 Officers and 31 Members, including Olympic Summer and Winter Games medalist in track cycling and speed skating Clara Hughes. Hughes, who received the Order of Canada in 2007, will be honoured with a promotion from Member of the Order of Canada to Officer of the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Clara Hughes, O.C., O.M.
Glen Sutton, Quebec and Winnipeg, Manitoba
Officer of the Order of Canada

Clara Hughes is an Olympic champion and a compassionate humanitarian who serves as a role model for all Canadians. She performed a feat not yet equalled in Canada when she won medals in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. After winning her speed skating gold medal in 2006, she announced on live television that she was emptying her bank account and donating $10,000 to Right to Play, an organization that brings sport to children in developing countries. She encouraged others to follow suit, spurring a massive funding drive. She also serves as co-chair of Right to Play’s Canadian advisory board, and as a spokesperson and volunteer for other sporting and environmental groups.

About the Order of Canada
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centrepiece of the Canadian 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.

Motto and levels
The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country). Her Majesty The Queen is the Sovereign of the Order, and the governor general is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Companion – Post-nominal: C.C.
Recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large

Officer – Post-nominal: O.C.
Recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large

Member – Post-nominal: C.M.
Recognizes a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity

Eligibility
All Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges while in office. The Order’s constitution permits non-Canadians to be considered for honorary appointments. They may be considered for outstanding achievement that reflects honour on Canada and/or lifetime contributions to humanity at large. There are no posthumous appointments.

Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievement, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada. Usually, promotions are considered five years after the first appointment.

Nominations
Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the Order of Canada. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.

For more information about the Order of Canada or to nominate someone, visit the Honours section of our Web site at www.gg.ca.