The rags-to-riches story of Canadian superstar Shania Twain has become legendary. Although impoverished materially as a child, she was instilled with a strong sense of pride by her family. Even then, music played an important role in her day-to-day life. Today, she enjoys enormous success, yet she remains true to her roots. Dedicated to eliminating child hunger, she supports a number of food distribution agencies like food banks and breakfast programs in schools. From small-town Ontario to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, her journey has inspired countless other emerging musicians.




Order of Canada Backgrounder

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement.

Three different levels of membership—Companion, Officer and Member—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. The Governor General is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Membership in the Advisory Council reflects the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain Advisory Council members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed to the Council for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.


The members of the Council are:

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada (Chair)
The Honourable Thomas R. Berger, O.C.
Mrs. Ruth Miriam Goldbloom, O.C.
Mr. Richard Francis Haskayne, O.C.
Mr. Alex Himelfarb, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
Mr. Tom Jackson, O.C.
Miss Karen Kain, C.C., Chair, Canada Council for the Arts
Mrs. Judith A. LaRocque, C.V.O., Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage
M. L. Jacques Ménard, O.C.
Mr. Gilles Paquet, C.M., President, the Royal Society of Canada
Ms. Bonnie M. Patterson, Chairman of the Board, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals as candidates for appointment.

Any Canadian may be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who may not be appointed while holding office.

Non-Canadians may be considered for honorary appointments.

There are no posthumous awards.



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