Governor General Announces 61 New Appointments to the Order of Canada

Today, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, announced 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada. Created in 1967, the Order honours people whose service shapes our society; whose innovations ignite our imaginations; and whose compassion unites our communities.

Congratulations to the 61 new appointees, which include 1 Companion (C.C.), 13 Officers (O.C.) and 47 Members (C.M.). Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a future date.

Among the new appointees, here are those who are being honoured for their commitment to the arts and, more specifically, music:

• Daniel John Taylor, O.C.  – Toronto, Ontario – For his achievements as an internationally renowned opera singer and for his commitment to mentoring the next generation of Canadian singers.
• Arthur Frank-Art Bergmann, C.M. – Rocky View County, Alberta – For his indelible contributions to the Canadian punk music scene, and for his thought-provoking discourse on social, gender and racial inequalities.
• Barbara Elizabeth Butler, C.M. – Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia – For her contributions to the musical landscape of Nova Scotia, notably through her promotion of numerous concert series across the province.
• Brian Cherney, C.M. – Montréal, Quebec – For his lifelong devotion to Canadian music, as an internationally renowned composer, educator and scholar.
• Michel Cusson, C.M. – Montréal, Quebec – For his role in the evolution of jazz across Canada and for his acclaimed contributions to the entertainment industry. 
• Gary Gullickson, C.M. – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – For advancing the music and arts communities in Saskatoon, as a renowned choir director and educator.