OTTAWA - Former prime minister Jean Chretien, golfer Mike Weir and broadcaster Pamela Wallin are among 71 new appointees to the Order of Canada, announced Friday by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.
The founding leader of the now-defunct Reform party, Preston Manning, along with former Liberal defence minister Barney Danson and legendary rocker Robbie Robertson are also among those to receive honours on the 40th anniversary of the order.
Created on July 1, 1967, the Order of Canada is being marked this year by what a statement from Rideau Hall calls "a celebration of 40 years of outstanding achievements and excellence in all sectors of society.''
Chretien -- "the little guy from Shawinigan'' -- served as an MP for 33 years, the last 10 as Liberal prime minister; Weir was the first Canadian to win one of golf's crown jewels, the Masters Tournament, in 2003; Wallin was a journalist for more than 20 years before she was appointed Canada's consul general in New York City.
Chretien, Manning and Danson -- who co-founded the new National War Museum years after a stellar run as defence minister -- were appointed Companions of the Order, while Weir became a Member and Robertson and Wallin were named Officers.
The Order of Canada is the country's highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement, recognizing outstanding achievement and service in various fields of endeavour.
Its three different levels of membership honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the chief justice of Canada.
Other notables named to the order Friday include rocker Tom Cochrane (Officer), broadcaster Michael MacLear (Officer), jazz singer Molly Johnson (Officer), whale expert Jon Lien (Member) and retired Supreme Court justice Frank Iacobucci (Companion), who is now heading a federal inquiry into the mistreatment of three Arab-Canadians abroad.
