Twelve Manitobans, whose contributions encompass a broad range of endeavours and accomplishments, will today receive the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. An investiture ceremony will take place at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
The ceremony will be streamed live today and can be viewed at the lieutenant-governor’s YouTube account at https://tinyurl.com/y462xnf6 The ceremony will start at 4 p.m.
The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.
“Leaders, visionaries, mentors, outstanding Manitobans. The 12 women and men being invested into the Order of Manitoba this year represent the very best of our province,” said Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon. “As this year we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years of service to others, we are reminded of the importance of building community. Today’s investees consistently give the very best of themselves to enrich the lives of those across our province, our country, our world. It is an honour and privilege to recognize and celebrate them.”
Appointments to the order are made by the chancellor, based on the recommendations of an advisory council. Order of Manitoba members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life. The list of all members of the Order of Manitoba is on permanent display in the Legislative Building.
The following Manitobans will be invested at the 2022 ceremony today:
Mr. Mohamed Eltassi
The owner of Sargent Blue Jeans, Mohamed Eltassi is a champion for vulnerable people, having supported multiple charitable and not-for-profit organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. He has personally provided significant financial contributions to support both new immigrants and vulnerable and marginalized Manitobans.
Mr. André Lewis
The artistic director and CEO of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), André Lewis is an accomplished soloist who has performed and taught an array of diverse repertoire throughout North America, Asia and Russia. He has served as artistic director for more than 25 years, nurturing a strong creative vision focused on outstanding performance. Under his leadership, the RWB has become one of the premiere dance companies in the world.
Mr. Andrew B. Paterson
The president and CEO of Paterson GlobalFoods Inc. (PGF), Andrew Paterson has demonstrated a significant commitment to Manitoba. In addition to the economic impact of PGF headquarters in Manitoba, he served for nine years as chair of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, funded the Red River College culinary program and the Urban Circle Training Centre supporting Indigenous students. He served 14 years as honorary colonel of the Fort Garry Horse, assisting military personnel and their families.
Mrs. Shirley Richardson
Shirley Richardson is a community supporter whose love of nature and craft has inspired many projects in Manitoba. Prior to moving to Canada, she joined the British Air Force at 17 and served for over three years, driving transport vehicles during air raids in the Second World War. In addition to funding the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s butterfly exhibit, she has donated more than $2 million to Canada’s Diversity Gardens, subsidizing the admission cost for children, seniors and families.
Ms. Desiree Scott
A prominent member of Canada’s national soccer team, Desiree Scott is an Olympic gold medallist (2020) and a two-time Olympic bronze medallist (2012 and 2016). A University of Manitoba alumna, she first represented Canada in 2006, qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. She is an ambassador for the Homeless World Cup and an athlete ambassador for KidSport, hosting an annual soccer camp for girls on behalf of the organization.
Mr. Darcy Ataman
Music producer, founder and CEO of Make Music Matter (MMM), Darcy Ataman enriches the lives of vulnerable populations in conflict and post-conflict zones. A Winnipegger, he founded MMM and created a new form of music therapy named the Healing in Harmony Music Therapy Program. This program has been implemented in eight countries and has positively impacted more than 8,500 participants directly. He co-founded a record label and publishing company that supports musicians in the most impoverished areas.
Mr. James R. Eldridge
James Eldridge has exemplified excellence in public service through his 48-year career with the Manitoba government. During that time, he was a non-partisan advisor to eight premiers. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was heavily involved in attempts to reform the Constitution, leading first to the Meech Lake Accord and then to the Charlottetown Accord. He was also one of the drafters of equalization provisions of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Mr. Doug Harvey
A business leader and philanthropist, Doug Harvey is dedicated to Manitoba. Founder and CEO of the DLH Group, he has served on, and contributed to, numerous organizations that better the lives of Manitobans. He was recently named the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Manitoba for his financial support of numerous organizations including FortWhyte Alive, the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
Mr. Leo Ledohowski
The owner and executive chair of Canad Inns, Leo Ledohowski is a respected Ukrainian-Canadian business and community leader. In addition to ensuring that Canad Inns remains Manitoba owned and focused, he has supported many initiatives including Partners in the Park, Health Sciences Centre Foundation, KidSport, Special Olympics Manitoba, United Way and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. He was integral to the global recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor.
Ms. Megumi Masaki
A celebrated pianist, educator and curator, Megumi Masaki has contributed to music excellence for over 40 years. As a Japanese-Canadian artist, her work examines the connection with multiracial identity, aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She is the long-serving artistic director of the annual Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition that advances Canadian musicians, and the Brandon Indigenous New Music Festival. A professor at Brandon University, she has championed Manitoban and Canadian music worldwide.
Mr. Alix Joseph Jean-Paul
A Haitian immigrant, Alix Joseph Jean-Paul has dedicated himself to education, community building and anti-racism. This community mindedness was inspired by a fruitful 25-year career teaching in Winnipeg, where he earned a bachelor of education and two master’s degrees. Recognizing the challenges faced by many immigrants and refugees, he developed and delivered workshops for both parents and school officials to better navigate the system, for new Canadians.
Ms. Marcy Markusa
For more than 25 years, Marcy Markusa has been a familiar broadcasting voice in Manitoba, most notably as host of CBC Manitoba’s Information Radio. This morning show attained the number one rating on several occasions as the most-listened-to radio program in Manitoba. An award winner and trailblazer, she was the first female host of a number one rated morning show in Winnipeg and has led discussions on various topics important to Manitobans.
The Order of Manitoba Advisory Council relies upon nominations from the public. To nominate a deserving Manitoban for the 2023 Order of Manitoba, visit www.manitobalg.ca
