Jackson appointed to the Order of Canada
Several Calgarians receive top honour for innovation, compassion, advocacy
Calgary actor, singer and philanthropist Tom Jackson is among several locals who were appointed to the Order of Canada on Friday for their outstanding community leadership.
The Order of Canada, created in 1967, is one of the country's highest honours. It's awarded by the Governor General to innovative and compassionate people whose service has shaped Canadian society.
Jackson, who was previously appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada in 2000, is receiving the higher honour of companion of the Order of Canada, which he said validates the work that he and his teams have done over the years.
One of Jackson's notable charitable works was his creation of the annual Huron Carole Christmas concert series that travelled across the country for almost 20 years, raising millions of dollars and supplies for Canadian food banks.
He hopes the message people receive from him is one of love for one another in action.
“We need to hold our loved ones as close as we can, even from a distance, we need to make sure that they know that you love them,” said Jackson. “I ask people to go call someone and tell them how much they mean to you. ... We have the opportunity to help one another through this right now.”
Olympic gold-medallist Mark Tewksbury, who champions equity and human rights, was also honoured as a companion of the Order of Canada.
Tewksbury, an Olympic swimmer, has been a leader and mentor for the LGBTQ community and youth, publicly speaking out for equality on and off the field of play.
Gov. Gen. Julie Payette announced 114 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including eight companions, 21 officers and 85 members, including one honorary member.
Elder Doreen Spence from Saddle Lake Cree Nation is being appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada for her role in advocating for peace and Indigenous peoples' human rights.
Also given the honour of officer of the Order of Canada is Martha Gertrude Muriel Billes, whose work in founding Canadian Tire's Jumpstart charities continues to support disadvantaged children.
A six-point white enamel insignia is given to the recipients to symbolize Canada's northern heritage and diversity — “because no two snowflakes are alike” the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General said in a news release.
“Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others,” said the release.
Also honoured as members of the Order of Canada from Calgary were Judy Birdsell, for her contributions to health care, George Brookman, for his commitment to local business initiatives, and Jackie Flanagan, for founding Alberta Views magazine and supporting the Canadian arts.
Ross William Glen was also honoured as a member for his entrepreneurial leadership and philanthropy, alongside Charles Roy Guest for his innovative profit-sharing and for founding the Bearspaw Benevolent Foundations, John R. Lacey for his dedication to international business leadership, and Lucy Lynn Mcintyre for her research on health equity, food insecurity and contributions to Canadian public health policies.
Since the recipients are unable to meet together due to the pandemic, a ceremony will be held at another time when the recipients can accept their insignia.
I ask people to go call someone and tell them how much they mean to you. ... We have the opportunity to help one another