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Order of British Columbia Investiture Ceremony

In front of friends, family and a room full of distinguished guests, 13 exceptional civic leaders were recognized today at Government House with the Order of British Columbia, the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens.

“As chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, it is my great honour to congratulate the exceptional individuals being invested into the Order,” stated the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “The work and generosity of these inspiring British Columbians will leave lasting legacies for the benefit of their communities and our province. It was a privilege to be able to extend thanks in person to all new members attending the investiture ceremony at Government House.”

“Congratulations to the recipients whose work has made life better for people in our province,” said Premier John Horgan. “I am proud to celebrate their exceptional and diverse accomplishments. The recipients will inspire future generations to make a difference in their community, province and country.”

Recipients invested are:

  • Deborah Abbey of New Westminster
  • Joseph Arvay, OC, QC of Victoria (2017 appointment)
  • David Anderson, P.C., OC of Victoria
  • Domenic Cuccione of Coquitlam
  • Brian Fehr of Vancouver (Prince George)
  • Lance S.G. Finch of Vancouver (2017 appointment)
  • Anne Giardini, OC, QC of Vancouver
  • Tracey Herbert of Victoria (Brentwood Bay)
  • Grand Chief Percy Joe of Merritt
  • Mary Kitagawa of Delta
  • Brenda Martens of Vancouver
  • George Melville of White Rock (Peachland)
  • Carey Newman (Ha-yalth-kingeme), M.S.M. of Victoria (Sooke)

Government has worked to increase awareness of the honour to ensure that outstanding people from all eligible categories and from all parts of the province have an opportunity to be recognized. The Province has received more than 5,500 public nominations for the Order of British Columbia in 29 years.

This year, 203 British Columbians were nominated for the order. More than half of the nominations came from the Lower Mainland, with the remaining coming from other regions throughout the province. Since its inception, 432 British Columbians have been appointed to the order from all regions of the province, and in numbers generally proportionate to a region’s population.

As well as the Order of B.C., people may nominate individuals for the Province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship. The medal recognizes citizens for their exceptional long-term service and contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations are accepted year round.

Learn More:

The Order of British Columbia: http://www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca

Medal of Good Citizenship: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship

Two backgrounders are available online:

Photos courtesy of the Province of British Columbia Flickr.