Since its inception in 1989, the Order of British Columbia has recognized 370 British Columbians from various sectors and regions of the province, including:

• Baljit Sethi, advocate for immigrants and for equality (2011)
• Dr. Robert Thirsk, astronaut, mechanical engineer and physician (2012)
• George Bowering, First Poet Laureate of Canada and historian (2004)
• Ellen White, social activist and medicine woman (2011)
• Diana Krall, jazz vocalist and pianist (2000)
• Trevor Linden, NHL hockey player and humanitarian (2003)

“For 26 years, we have recognized the outstanding contributions and achievements of our citizens with the Order of British Columbia, our province’s highest honour,” said Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia. “I encourage you to nominate those individuals in your community whose leadership and passion for the betterment of humanity contribute to our quality of life in British Columbia and beyond.”

British Columbians are encouraged to consider the exceptional citizens in their communities and nominate an individual for appointment to the Order of B.C. Any B.C. citizen can submit a nomination.

An independent advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of British Columbia, will consider nominations, and successful nominees will be recognized at a special ceremony hosted at Government House.

“Being recognized by and inducted into the Order of B.C. was one of the most memorable days of my life,” said Paul Lacerte, Executive Director of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and 2014 inductee to the Order of B.C. “It has been a privilege throughout my career to encourage Aboriginal youth to go further and reach higher by connecting them with strong leaders and mentors in their community. The Order of B.C. is a reminder of the impact that we as individuals can have on a larger scale in our communities and beyond, and I imagine one day to share this honour with the next generation of inspiring global citizens.”

(flickr.com)

Nomination forms and submission instructions are available by email: orderofbc@gov.bc.ca, telephone (250) 387-1616 or online: www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca/. All nominations must be submitted to the Honours and Awards Secretariat office in Victoria by March 6, 2015.

Media contact:

Media Relations
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
250 356-7293

Honours and Recipients’ Information:

Karen Felker
Coordinator 
Honours and Awards Secretariat
250 356-1139

BACKGROUNDER

Established in 1989 by statute, the Order of British Columbia recognizes those persons who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Province or elsewhere. It represents the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens. Appointments to the order are made annually to the most outstanding British Columbians possessing these qualifications. British Columbians are invited to participate in this ongoing process by nominating persons whom they feel are worthy of this acknowledgement and honour.

Insignia Description:

The Insignia of the Order of British Columbia is in the form of a medal. The medal depicts a stylistic dogwood (the floral emblem of B.C.), and features a crowned shield of arms. It is worn with a green, gold, white and blue ribbon. The medal was designed by Bruce W. Beatty and is manufactured by Pressed Metal Products in Vancouver, B.C.

Eligibility:

Any resident of B.C., or former long-term resident, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Province or elsewhere is eligible to be nominated. Fields of endeavour may include community leadership, business, labour, industry, volunteer service, professions and other occupations, arts, sports and others. Federal, provincial and municipal elected representatives are not eligible for appointment to the order while they remain in office. A person may not be appointed to the order posthumously unless the Advisory Council recommends the appointment to the Lieutenant Governor in Council before the person's death.

Nominations:

Any person is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the order. Appointments will be made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Advisory Council, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of the Court of Appeal of British Columbia. The chancellor of the Advisory Council is the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Request a nomination form by email at orderofbc@gov.bc.ca (250 387-1616), or submit online at www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca/nominations

Nominations and letters of support for the Order of British Columbia must be received by the first Friday in March at the secretariat's office (1st floor, 548 Michigan St., Victoria, V8V 1S2) or via email at orderofbc@gov.bc.ca, to be considered this year. Nominations received after this will be included in the selection process for the next year.

Contact:

Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat Communications
250 356-5963