Sat, November 19, 2005
We Canadians have a reputation for being a modest bunch. For doing the right thing not to gain glory for ourselves but because, well, it's the right thing.
We think of our neighbours to the south as the boastful ones on our continent. As for ourselves, we'll do our part to help wipe out world hunger or to rescue the environment. We'll put the needs of others ahead of our own, and then shrug it off as what anyone else would have done.
But every once in a while someone notices our achievements, and on very rare occasions the whole country takes notice and a handful of people are invited, as they were yesterday, to come to Rideau Hall and be invested into the Order of Canada. They stand in front of Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and swell with pride as she tells Canada and the world of the difference they have made through their actions.
It's good for a country to recognize those who have made significant achievements in their fields of endeavour ... to feel a collective pride in their accomplishments.
There probably isn't a person in Canada who doesn't recognize the name of country singer Shania Twain and know something of her rags-to-riches story. But until she was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, few of us were familiar with her efforts to combat child hunger around the world.
Today, she enjoys enormous success, yet she remains true to her roots," said the citation inducting her into the Order.
Twain was joined at the ceremony by 42 others who were recognized for outstanding achievements, including Olympic speed skater Catriona Le May Doan and environmentalist Elizabeth May, both of whom were named Officers in the Order of Canada -- the second highest level of achievement.
Le May Doan "remains a major force in amateur sport," said her citation, and is "dedicated to mentoring the next generation of athletes."
May, head of the Sierra Club of Canada, was recognized for making "a profound difference to the quality of life of Canadians in our lifetime and hopefully for generations to come."
There was a local flavour to the ceremony as well with Denzil Doyle, Ottawa's godfather of technology, named a Member of the Order of Canada.
The Order of Canada is our country's highest civilian honour, awarded to those who adhere to its motto: Desiderantes meliorem patriam meaning "they desire a better country."
We salute the achievements of the latest group of inductees. They give us one more reason to be proud Canadians.
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