Singer-songwriter Daniel Lavoie and conductor Kent Nagano are among 83 appointments or promotions to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour.
In a document presenting the recipients, the office of the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, describes Mr. Lavoie as “a leading ambassador” for Franco-Canadian culture who was “catapulted” to the top of the charts with “l ‘unmissable’ song They love each other.
Mr. Nagano, who directed the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for nearly 15 years, is praised for his prestigious international career.
“He premiered and commissioned numerous works from Canadian composers, thus spreading the unique music of Montreal, Quebec and Canada throughout the world,” it is noted.
Former Desjardins Group President and CEO Monique Leroux is the only Canadian woman to be promoted to the rank of Companion, the highest rank within the Order. In her case, this is a promotion.
The Governor General’s office describes her as a “key figure in finance in Canada” who contributed to the “remarkable growth” of the cooperative in the country and internationally.
Other nominations include economist and former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz, journalist Joyce Napier, science communicator Pierre Chastenay, punk rock singer Avril Lavigne and social entrepreneur Pierre Legault.
The Order of Canada aims to recognize the “extraordinary” contribution of Canadians to their country. It was created in 1967 and its motto is “They desire a better country.”