Pallister, Harris, Kreviazuk among 12 ‘exceptional’ Manitobans honoured

In the year of Manitoba’s 156th birthday, its highest honour is reaching deep into all corners of society — from sports to music, business to politics, elders to educators — for inductions into the Order of Manitoba.

The province’s 22nd premier, Brian Pallister, who served from 2016 to 2021, is among 12 Manitobans in line to receive the distinction this year. He will be joined by professional athletes, singers, and leaders in health care, Indigenous organizations, science, business and philanthropy at this summer’s investiture.

Former premiers receive the honour within five years of leaving office. Recent inductees include Gary Filmon (2001), Gary Doer (2010) and Greg Selinger (2021).

This year’s ceremony takes place July 16 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, “thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents,” a news release from the chancellor of the order, Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, said Tuesday. Order of Manitoba members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life.

Appointments are based on the recommendations of an advisory council with up to 10 members, including the Chief Justice of Manitoba, the clerk of executive council, two university or college presidents, and up to six order in council appointments selected by the premier of the day.

“The 12 exceptional Manitobans being inducted into the Order of Manitoba this year epitomize what makes Manitoba so special,” Neville said in the news release.

In addition to Pallister, the 2026 recipients include:

Tracy Dahl, one of Canada’s most renowned operatic artists from Winnipeg. Dahl has performed with every major Canadian orchestra and opera company, and has performed countless times internationally. She is a sought after vocal teacher and nurtures future generations of artists across the country.

Andrew Harris, former Canadian Football League star running back from Winnipeg. Harris is a four-time Grey Cup champion, including two with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The five-time CFL all-star was named the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 2017. He is also the founder of the charity Thirty3, which addresses systemic barriers faced by local youth.

Chantal Kreviazuk, three-time Juno-winning singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and multi-platinum artist from Winnipeg. Kreviazuk is an ambassador and honorary founder of War Child Canada, the organization that supports children in conflict zones through advocacy, fundraising and awareness.

Jocelyne Larocque, three-time Olympic hockey medallist from St. Anne. The celebrated Métis player is alternate captain of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Ottawa Charge, The standout defender was selected second overall in the 2023 PWHL Draft and the first Indigenous woman to play hockey at the Winter Games.

Dr. Peter MacDonald, an internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon. MacDonald is the standard bearer for best practice patient care in his field. He’s a strategic partner at the Pan Am Clinic and serves as the lead physician for the Winnipeg Jets and the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Blue Bombers.

Ash Modha, CEO of Mondetta Clothing. Modha’s commercial success follows humble beginnings as child refugee. His global company employs hundreds of Manitobans and the Mondetta Charity Foundation has given millions of dollars to both local and international causes, including post-secondary scholarships for Indigenous students and Ukrainian refugees.

Dr. Joss Reimer, former medical lead for Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccine implementation task force. Reimer has served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and medical director of public health for the City of Winnipeg. She now serves as Canada’s chief public health officer.

Diane Roussin, one of Manitoba’s most influential Indigenous leaders. Roussin has spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous-led solutions that support children, youth, families and communities. Her work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, world views and community-driven approaches that restore agency, dignity and wellness.

Elder Billie Schibler (Purple Harvest Woman), former CEO of Manitoba’s Métis Child & Family Services Authority. Schibler has served as the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and is one of the founding members of Grandmothers Protecting Our Children Council. She conducts international ceremonies for the healing of Mother Earth.

Dr. Lotfollah Shafai, expert in satellite and wireless communications, antennas and electromagnetics. Shafai put Manitoba on the map when he founded the Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory at the University of Manitoba, which has had a profound impact on spacecraft technology, remote sensing and the electromagnetic mapping of Arctic sea ice.

Douglas Stephen, WOW! Hospitality Group owner and philanthropist. Stephen’s work has supported many organizations, including CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation, the Winnipeg Humane Society, Variety Club of Manitoba, Special Olympics Manitoba and the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.