Alberta innovators, trailblazers honoured
Order of Excellence recipients include athlete, ambassador
Olympic athlete Beckie Scott, business leader Bonnie Dupont and social justice ambassador Frances Wright were among this year’s recipients of the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Eight Albertans received the order, the highest provincial honour a citizen can receive, during a ceremony at the Government House Thursday in Edmonton.
“The Alberta Order of Excellence members for 2019 are innovators and trailblazers who have spent their lives and careers working to lead positive change for people in Alberta, across Canada and around the globe. I thank them for their outstanding service and for inspiring us all to share our best with the world,” said Lt.-gov. Lois E. Mitchell in a statement.
Scott, from Canmore, is being recognized for her inspiration as an Olympic athlete and influence in the discussion about fair play, anti-doping and empowerment of Indigenous youth through sports.
Calgarian Wright has worked as an ambassador for social justice and nation-building, striving to strengthen democracy and lift the voice of the marginalized.
Another Calgary recipient was Dupont, a business leader who led the way for women in industry across Canada, while instilling social responsibility and sound governance. Other recipients from southern Alberta include Katie Ohe from Springbank, Ron Sakamoto from Lethbridge and Malcolm Sissons from Medicine Hat. Each was acknowledged for their role as positive influences within their community, province and country.
In a statement, Premier Jason Kenney said, “These women and men are further proof that Alberta’s greatest resource is its people. Our province is proud to count them as Albertans, and we sincerely thank and congratulate them for setting a strong example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and public service.”