Thirteen Manitobans, including Ste. Anne physician Dr. Francis Patrick Doyle, were invested into the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. The special ceremony took place on Monday, July 15, 2013, in the Legislative Building.
Group photo of the 2013 Order of Manitoba – Photo by Ms Tracey Goncalves.
The Order of Manitoba was established to recognize Manitobans whose demonstrated excellence and achievement have benefited the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.
Lt.-Gov. Philip S. Lee, chancellor of the order, presided over the investiture of the 13 new members whose accomplishments span the arts and entertainment, community and public service, business and education, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability. They are also involved in initiatives addressing issues of justice, fairness, equality and the promotion and protection of cultural identity.
The members invested at the ceremony were:
- David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, for promoting issues of social justice and advancing the cause of the Metis Nation;
- Dr. Francis Patrick Doyle, an exemplary physician, who was instrumental in the creation of a health-care industry in Ste. Anne and has significantly contributed to health-care strategies and reforms at the provincial and national levels;
- Olga Fuga, who has made an outstanding contribution to both her Winnipeg and Ukrainian-Canadian communities through her extensive public and volunteer service;
- Helen Granger Young, an internationally renowned artist, whose paintings, sculptures and monuments have enriched the cultural and historical fabric of Manitoba and Canada;
- George Nicholos Heshka, longtime principal of Sisler High School, a visionary and inspirational
- administrator and educator dedicated to the inner-city community he serves;
- Dr. Tse Li Luk, physician and award-winning photographer, whose volunteer service has greatly benefited the Chinese-Canadian community and the community at large;
- Diane Redsky, a nationally recognized community leader, who has made significant contributions to improve the lives of women, children and Winnipeg’s urban Aboriginal peoples;
- H. Sanford (Sandy) Riley, president and CEO of Richardson Financial Group, whose legacy of excellence spans the worlds of business, sport, education, community service and philanthropy;
- Dr. Allan Ronald, one of Canada’s foremost experts in infectious diseases, who is internationally respected, particularly in his pioneering work with HIV/AIDS in Africa;
- The Honourable Richard J. Scott, former chief justice of Manitoba, who made a profound mark on the administration of justice in Manitoba and was a national leader on the subjects of judicial independence, ethical conduct of judges and access to justice;
- Ray St. Germain, a celebrated recording artist, performer, producer, author, host of television and radio programs, and proud supporter of Metis and Aboriginal culture;
- Miriam Toews, 2011 appointee, a widely known and honoured writer, originally from Steinbach, whose novels have garnered international acclaim; and
- Eleanor Woitowicz, a retired Wabowden school teacher, who was the force behind a school gardening project designed to promote healthy eating and sustainability, now emulated in other Manitoba communities and recognized internationally.
“The women and men to be invested into the Order of Manitoba this year epitomize the outstanding qualities of good citizenship characterized by order members. Whether their efforts have been recognized at the local, national or international levels, they have each demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community and set an excellent example for others to follow,” said Lee.
Appointments are made by the chancellor on the recommendations of a nine-member advisory council. Once invested, members will receive the insignia of the order and are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life. Members’ names are also on permanent display on a plaque located on the second floor of the Legislative Building.
This year’s ceremony, the 14th in the Order’s history, brings to 184 the total number of members named to the Order of Manitoba since its inception in 1999.
