Steinbach born Miriam Toews
Twelve new members, including Steinbach born Miriam Toews, will be inducted into the Order of Manitoba this year. This announcement was made by Lt.-Gov. Philip S. Lee, chancellor of the order.
Established under special legislation, the Order of Manitoba is the province’s highest honour. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.
“I am very pleased to name the 12 deserving women and men who will be invested into the order this July,” the chancellor said. “It is truly humbling to see the breadth of expertise and experience, skill and talent, committed voluntarism and service to community they represent. It is also significant that we recognize their accomplishment on Manitoba Day, as these recipients embody so much that makes our province such a special place to live.”
Those to be invested in 2011 are:
• James (Jim) Carr, founding president and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba, who has led many important national and provincial initiatives;
• Patrick Choy, globally recognized for his cardiovascular research and a leader in Manitoba’s Chinese community;
• Arthur (Art) DeFehr, CEO of Palliser furniture and founding chair, Canadian Foodgrains bank, known for his efforts to alleviate global hunger and poverty;
• Rayleen De Luca, clinical psychologist, who is internationally respected for her pioneering research and work with victims of abuse, particularly children;
• Henry Idonije, the founder of Brandon’s StreetLove, a pastor who provides advocacy and support for the poor and homeless;
• Eugene Kostyra, former Manitoba cabinet minister with a strong record of public service at home and abroad;
• Raymond “Sonny” Lavallee, dedicated community volunteer in The Pas and a driving force behind the success of the annual Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival for almost three decades;
• Susan Lewis, president and CEO of the United Way of Winnipeg since 1985, who has devoted more than 30 years to building caring communities;
• Kathy Mallett, Aboriginal community leader who has helped establish many well-regarded Aboriginal service organizations and economic development projects in Winnipeg;
• Frederick (Fred) Penner, renowned children’s entertainer, who is deeply committed to improving the lives of children around the world;
• Raymond Poirier, an administrator and businessman who has devoted more than 35 years to the protection, promotion and overall development of the francophone communities of Manitoba and Canada;
• Miriam Toews, award-winning writer from Steinbach, whose novels have garnered international acclaim.
Recipients are selected by an independent advisory council that evaluates all nominations received and then recommends up to 12 candidates each year to the chancellor. Once inducted into the order, members may use the initials O.M. after their names for life.
This year’s investiture will take place at a ceremony to be held July 12 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
