THUNDER BAY – In Ottawa today His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, November 23, 2012. The Governor General, who is chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, bestowed the honour on 27 Members, 16 Officers and 1 Companion.
One of the recipients Elizabeth McWeeny is from Thunder Bay. Elizabeth McWeeny has been a passionate supporter of refugees. Her involvement with sponsorship work in her hometown established Thunder Bay as a centre for refugee resettlement. She soon became a recognized authority on resettlement and human rights issues, eventually serving two terms as president of the Canadian Council for Refugees. In this role, she was an articulate spokesperson, promoting dialogue and understanding on the challenges faced by Canada’s newcomers.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.