4 Winnipeggers are among 103 new owners of one of the prestigious awards of the country - the Order of Canada.
This award was founded in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II and all Canadians can receive it, except for current government officials, politicians and judges. Citizens of other countries cannot receive this badge of honour. The medal is made in red-white colours and stylized as a snowflake with a maple leaf in the center. The award is presented by the General Governor at his residence in Ottawa named Rideau Hall.
Governor General Julie Payette will award the Order to three men and one woman from Winnipeg for great services in changing the life of the country and society for the better.
The first one is Leonard Joseph (Len) Cariou. He was noted for his great contribution to the cultural life of Canada. The 79-year-old native of St. Boniface debuted on stage almost 60 years ago in a chorus of the musical comedy Damn Yankees! at Winnipeg's old Rainbow Stage. The most famous role of the actor can be considered an image of Sweeney Todd in the original Broadway cast which brought him not only popularity but also a reward for the best male role in the musical.
The next owner of the order will be Digvir Jayas. He is noted for contributing to the development of agriculture and research in Canada. Digvir is the University of Manitoba's vice-president, has a degree in agricultural engineering, which he received in India. The main studies of Jayas are related to the engineering of biosystems. Also, this year he was appointed to the post of the vice-president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Doneta A. P. Brotchie will be honoured for her volunteer work and business leadership in the province. She has a business degree from the University of Manitoba. In 2006, Doneta became the first female president of The Manitoba Club. During her career, she held senior positions in organizations such as the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Winnipeg Foundation and the Grace Hospital Foundation.
The last nominee from Winnipeg is Ross D. Feldman. He is noted for medical research in the fight against hypertension. 66-year-old researcher from the St. Boniface Hospital is also the principal investigator in women's health at the hospital's Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and a medical director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's cardiac sciences program.
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