Seventy-five new members join the Order of Canada, including four from Southwestern Ontario.
Governor General Mary Simon will induct a couple from Merlin, the founder of London's Sunfest and a former Saskatchewan Member of the Legislative Assembly who lives in London, to the Order at an upcoming ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Simon announced 78 new appointments on Thursday, three of whom are promotions within the Order.
Alfredo Caxaj is the executive and artistic director of Sunfest, an annual cultural and music festival held in London each year. He'll be inducted as a Member this spring for his contributions to the arts and culture and his promotion and celebration of diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism.
Caxaj, an internationally renowned musician, is originally from Guatemala and arrived in Canada in 1985.
Also living in London, Lorne Henry Hepworth was named a Member for exceptional contributions to Canadian agriculture and research.
Hepworth was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. He is a farmer and veterinarian who served in several cabinet positions in the provincial legislature between 1982 and 1991 under Saskatchewan's Progressive Conservative government.
Shannon Beth Prince and Bryan Earl Prince of Merlin, east of Tilbury, will be recognized for documenting, preserving, and celebrating Black Canadian history.
Shannon Beth Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, portrays her great, great, great aunt in re-enactments educating Canadians about the Underground Railroad. She served on the boards of the Ontario Museum Association, National Historic Sites Alliance for Ontario, National Trust for Canada, and the Kent Cultural Network. She was named one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.
Also being inducted as a Member of the Order is Flavio Volpe, a leading policy expert for the Canadian automotive industry and the President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association. Simon announced his appointment for advancing Canada's automotive and technology sectors internationally.
Simon announced three Companions to the Order, 15 Officers, one Honourary Officer, and 59 Members.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967 to recognize Canadians who have made lasting contributions, inspiring and challenging others to make Canada a better country.
