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Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, will present the insignia of Companion of the Order of Canada to His Highness the Aga Khan during a private ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Monday, June 6, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. The appointment is in effect as of October 29, 2004.
The ceremony is not open to the public.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: POOLED COVERAGE ONLY. For more information, please contact John Waterfield, Press Gallery Manager, in Ottawa, at (613) 992-6517. The citation is the following:
HONORARY COMPANION
His Highness the Aga Khan, C.C.
Gouvieux, France
Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada
Personifying cherished Canadian values, His Highness the Aga Khan has devoted his life to protecting the environment and alleviating human suffering due to poverty. Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims since 1957, he has guided the spiritual growth of his followers, teaching compassion and tolerance by example. In 1967, he launched his foundation, the Aga Khan Development Network, with branches in countries around the world, including Canada. Recognizing our nation's caring spirit, he cites Canada as a role model for the world and has selected Ottawa as the home of a new Global Centre for Pluralism.
A backgrounder on the Order of Canada is attached.
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 current 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, the Canada Council for the Arts
- Mrs. Judith A. LaRocque, C.V.O., Deputy Minister, Canadian
Heritage
- Mr. Peter MacKinnon, Chairman of the Board, Association of
Universities and Colleges of Canada
- The Honourable Antonine Maillet, P.C., C.C., O.Q.
- Mr. Gilles Paquet, C.M., President, the Royal Society 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 is no posthumous award.
For further information: Media information: Lucie Brosseau, Rideau Hall Press Office, (613) 998-0287; Public information: Chancellery of Honours, (613) 993-3524 or 1 800 465-6890