Congratulations to all the new Orders of Manitoba!
Myrna Driedger, a former registered nurse, and a leader and advocate for missing and exploited children, was a Progressive Conservative MLA for 25 years who served two terms as Speaker. Myrna is the founder of the Nellie McClung Foundation. She was Chair of the Canadian Region of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and served as the Vice-Chair Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians International. She was recognized with the 2023 Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award.
Murray Sinclair, the former senator who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba.
James Cohen, President and CEO of Gendis Corporation, and a member of rock band Prairie Roots Rockers. He is a well-known supporter and board member of Winnipeg arts organizations.
Michel Lagacé has spent a lifetime serving the arts community as chair of organizations such as the WSO, Arts Stabilization and Société historique de Saint-Boniface.
Bob Williams, owner of Swancoat Investments is a philanthropist who has donated many millions of dollars and his time to such organizations as the Winnipeg Art Gallery/Qaumajuq, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and FortWhyte Alive. He serves as an honorary colonel with the Fort Garry Horse Regiment.
Mae Louise Campbell, a Métis/Saulteaux elder who has spent 45 years working with Indigenous women. Elder Campbell was also a member of Canada’s National Task Force on Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada.
David Johnston, who founded the benefit plan company Johnston Group, a benefit plan company that also funds multiple special projects supporting the work of well over 100 community organizations. He also developed the Johnston Family Foundation that supports anti-poverty and addiction.
Ron Paley, long time musician who toured internationally playing electric bass with the big bands of Buddy Rich and Woody Herman, recording multiple albums, including a song on The Main Event with Frank Sinatra. He formed the Ron Paley Big Band in 1976 and received the BreakOut West Western Canadian Music Awards’ Heritage Award for significant contributions to the music industry.
Connie Walker, United Way president, who has inspired volunteers, donors and partners to help youth and assist families to move out of poverty, while improving the health of people and their neighbourhoods.
Chad Swayze, firefighter and community fundraiser who was instrumental in Winnipeg successfully hosting the 2023 World Police and Fire Games.
Dr. Marcia Anderson, the public health lead for Manitoba’s First Nations COVID-19 response team.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer.
