Order of Manitoba recipients announced

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This article was published 10/05/2013 (4589 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A prominent business leader, a former chief justice, and an internationally acclaimed author head the list of 11 new recipients of the province’s highest honour — the Order of Manitoba.

“Those to be inducted this July represent an inspiring array of talent and expertise, compassion and commitment, and an overriding dedication to improving the quality of people’s lives in Manitoba, in Canada and around the world,” Lt.-Gov. Philip S. Lee, chancellor of the order, said in a written statement released today.

The Order of Manitoba honors Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in their field and have added to the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.

Lee said this year’s recipients are:

• Sanford (Sandy) Riley, president and CEO of Richardson Financial Group, whose legacy of excellence spans the worlds of business, sport, education and community service;
• The Hon. 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;
• Miriam Toews, a Steinbach writer whose novels have garnered international acclaim;
• David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Métis Federation, for promoting issues of social justice and advancing the cause of the Métis Nation;
• Dr. Francis Patrick Doyle, 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, principal of Sisler High School, visionary, and inspirational administrator and educator dedicated to the inner-city community;
• 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;
• Dr. Allan Ronald, one of Canada’s foremost experts in infectious diseases, who is internationally respected for his pioneering work with HIV-AIDS in Africa;
• Ray St. Germain, a celebrated recording artist, performer, producer, author, televison and radio host, and proud supporter of Métis and Aboriginal culture, and;
• Eleanor Woitowicz, a retired Wabowden school teacher, who was the driving force behind a school gardening project which was designed to promote healthy eating and sustainability and is now emulated in other Manitoba communities and recognized internationally.

Order of Manitoba recipients are selected by an independent advisory council that evaluates nominees and recommends up to 12 candidates each year to the chancellor. Once inducted, members may use the initials O.M. after their names for life.

This year’s investiture will take place at a July 15 ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building.