Order of Canada appointees in the Arts – December 2024

Officers

Ronald Frank Burnett, O.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

President emeritus of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Ron Burnett is dedicated to arts education. He continues to solidify the school’s international reputation as a leader in the arts, speaking and writing in Canada and abroad while working with the Centre for Transdisciplinary Studies and Learning Development Institute.
This is a promotion within the Order.

Stan Douglas, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Stan Douglas is a renowned, Vancouver-based artist whose multimedia works re-examine pivotal historical events and technology’s role in shaping collective memory. He has represented Canada at many international exhibitions including the 2022 Venice Biennale, and his thought-provoking work has been shown around the world, notably in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy and the United States.

Maureen Ann Jennings, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Maureen Jennings is an author known for her historical crime novels, particularly the Detective Murdoch series, which inspired the long-running TV show Murdoch Mysteries. Her works explore important aspects of Canadian history, especially women’s roles during the Second World War. A mentor to fellow writers, she received the Grandmaster Award from Crime Writers of Canada.

Dominique Alice Lemieux, O.C. (deceased)
Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton, Quebec

Dominique Lemieux is a world-renowned costume designer in the performing arts. Part of the groundbreaking Cirque du Soleil creative team, she has shared her unique designs nationally and internationally for over three decades. Some of her creations, notably for the shows Mystère and Alegria, have continued to inspire for over 20 years.

Randy Lennox, O.C.
Oakville, Ontario

Randy Lennox is a prominent music, media and entertainment executive who led major companies including Universal Music Canada and Bell Media. He created new and diversified e-commerce businesses and helped expand Canadian talent on the international stage. He is an advocate for Canadian content and continues to elevate our collective cultural identity.

Heather Rankin, O.C.
Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Heather Rankin is a singer and songwriter, and esteemed member of the award-winning band The Rankin Family. Her solo albums and performances have inspired fans from coast to coast to coast. She is a revered icon of Cape Breton music and a generous mentor in her field.

Ryan Reynolds, O.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia and New York, New York, United States of America

Ryan Reynolds has captivated audiences worldwide, notably writing, producing and starring in the widely successful Deadpool films. Off-screen, he supports Canadian causes including Water First Education, Covenant House Vancouver and Sick Kids Foundation, and co-founded initiatives to increase opportunities for under-represented groups. His far-reaching philanthropy continues to strengthen communities nationwide.

Members

Ruth Elsie Abernethy, C.M.
Wellesley, Ontario

Ruth Abernethy has been contributing to Canada’s cultural landscape for decades. This internationally renowned sculptor has created iconic life-size bronze pieces showcased across the world. By exploring the themes of gender roles, heritage crafts and nation building, she has changed the way visitors interact with the great Canadians that have shaped our country’s history.

Donald Alder, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Don Alder is one of the top acoustic fingerstyle guitarists in the world. He has a deep commitment to raising awareness and creating access for people with physical challenges. He has volunteered his time and expertise with the Canadian Paralympic team and the Vancouver Adapted Music Society, and is on the board of directors for Empower Through Music.

Vincent Asselin, C.M., C.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Vincent Asselin is a world leader in landscape architecture. A founding member of WAA Inc., he has been involved in developing major projects both in Canada and abroad. He distinguished himself by creating Yan’An Zhong Lu Park in Shanghai, for which he received the highest honour awarded to foreigners who have made an extraordinary contribution to the city’s development.

Colin Roswell Clarke, C.M.
Oakville, Ontario

Colin Clarke is the founder and artistic director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra program. Beloved by students, conductors and composers alike, he is a transformational educator who has made learning and playing music accessible to underserved groups in the Greater Toronto Area.

Fabienne Colas, C.M.
Carignan, Quebec

A leading figure in Canada’s cultural diversity, Fabienne Colas has dedicated herself to promoting diversity and inclusion in film, art and culture, in Canada and abroad. Through the Fabienne Colas Foundation, she has been a driving force behind the creation of incubators, training programs, events and festivals that have showcased thousands of artists of African descent across North America.

Morna Edmundson, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Morna Edmundson is an award-winning choral director and the co-founder of the Elektra Women’s Choir. An inspiring mentor whose innovative programming, commissions and engagement serve as a lasting legacy for the choral community, she has helped establish Vancouver’s national and worldwide reputation as a choral mecca.

Isolde Lagacé, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Isolde Lagacé is renowned on the Quebec music scene for promoting and presenting music throughout the province and abroad. As executive and artistic director of Arte Musica and Bourgie Hall, she contributed to this institution’s development and international renown as one of the country’s leading music venues.

Karen Levine, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Karen Levine is recognized for her four-decade-long career at CBC Radio where her program leadership, groundbreaking documentaries, and amplification of women’s voices made an unmistakable and much-heralded impact. She has also been honoured for her book, Hana’s Suitcase, which has educated young readers worldwide about the Holocaust.

John Donald Longhurst, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

John Longhurst is an author and freelance writer in the fields of Christian ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. As the religion columnist and reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press, he made it his goal to promote positive interdenominational relations, to reduce hate and to help readers see the humanity in every person.

Richard Rose, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A revered artistic director, Richard Rose has produced many of the most memorable theatrical productions in Canada over the last four decades. His legacy of developing new work has helped shape the careers of many playwrights, and his visionary leadership has inspired writers and directors at home and abroad.

Chloé Sainte-Marie, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Multidisciplinary artist Chloé Sainte-Marie has been a fixture on Quebec’s cultural scene for many years. Gilles Carle’s muse, she first made a name for herself in the film industry, playing several memorable roles, before making her mark in music. Founder of the Maisons Gilles-Carle, she led a campaign to draw government attention to the daily challenges faced by caregivers.

Diane Patricia Helen Sims, C.M.
Stratford, Ontario

Diane Sims is a celebrated writer and accessibility advocate. Her publications include the internationally distributed An Ovarian Cancer Companion, as well as candid writings about her lifelong perseverance through medical hardships and her personal journey with medical assistance in dying. She is also a long-time volunteer with organizations focused on multiple sclerosis and ovarian cancer.

Mark Zuehlke, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia

Mark Zuehlke is Canada’s leading writer of popular military history. A former journalist and celebrated author, he has distinguished himself through his Canadian Battle Series, which has greatly enhanced our understanding of Canada’s military contributions, particularly during the Second World War. His award-winning mystery series set in Tofino has entertained audiences nationwide.