(Ottawa) Singer-songwriter Daniel Lavoie and conductor Kent Nagano are among the 83 appointments or promotions to the Order of Canada, the highest civilian distinction in the country.
In a document introducing the recipients, the office of the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, describes Mr. Lavoie as “a leading ambassador” for Franco-Canadian culture who was “catapulted” to the top of the charts with “the ‘unmissable’ song “They love each other”.
Mr. Nagano, who conducted the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for nearly 15 years, is praised for his prestigious international career.
“He premiered and commissioned numerous works from Canadian composers, thus disseminating the unique music of Montreal, Quebec and Canada throughout the world,” we emphasize.
The former president and CEO of Desjardins Group, Monique Lehoux, is the only Canadian to reach the rank of companion, the highest rank within the Order. This is a promotion in his case.
The Governor General’s office describes her as a “key figure in finance in Canada” who contributed to the cooperative’s “remarkable growth” domestically and internationally.
Other nominations include economist and former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz, journalist Joyce Napier, science communicator Pierre Chastenay, punk rock singer Avril Lavigne and social entrepreneur Pierre Legault.
The Order of Canada aims to recognize the “extraordinary” contributions of Canadians to their country. It was established in 1967 and has the motto “They desire a better homeland.”
