Order of Canada–New Companions Appointed

Companion of the Order of Canada

Companion of the Order of Canada

The Order of Canada was established in 1967, Canada’s centennial year, as a national system of honours.  Appointments to the Order were announced today by the Governor General, Michaëlle Jean.

Appointees with the greatest international name-recognition are Céline Dion and tenor Ben Heppner, both of whom have been promoted from within the Order to Companion, it’s highest level of membership.

There is a maximum of 15 appointments annually to Companionship (only four appointed today and five this past Canada Day, July 1st) with a limitation of 165 living Companions at any given time.