‘I guess I’m a true Cape Bretoner’
Chernin honoured by Order of Canada appointment
Martin Chernin will join his sister as a member of the Order of Canada when he his officially appointed to it later this year at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
“I’m looking forward to that,” Chernin said a day after his appointment was announced by Governor General David Johnston.
Following in the footsteps of his sister, Judy Budovitch, of Fredericton N.B., who was appointed to the order in 2008 for her work as a community volunteer and support of various artistic, educational and civic groups in New Brunswick, Chernin said he is very honoured to be the second in his family named to the order.
According to a release from the Governor General, Chernin is being appointed “for his contributions to the development of Cape Breton Island as both a businessman and civic booster.”
Chernin said the island is home and he’s worked hard to contribute to it through both his business and community efforts.
“I was born and brought up in Cape Breton and started off my career in the wholesale grocery business with my father and my uncles. I was in that until 1979 and then we got involved with a few other partners and did the now Joe’s Warehouse, the Commerce Tower, a bunch of real estate things, and cable television,” he said. “I guess I’m a true Cape Bretoner and so I wanted to stay here and see if I could do anything here in Cape Breton.”
Chernin’s community involvement over the years has included a term as chairman of the board of Cape Breton University, as well as being actively involved in fundraising for both the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and the United Way of Cape Breton.
Chernin credits “hard work, honesty and integrity” for his success, noting it’s also been important to surround himself with good employees and busi- ness partners. Resiliency has also been key. “There’s a lot of high points and there’s also low points. You don’t win in everything but you have to pick up your boots and get back at it,” he said.
Chernin said he sees positive things on the horizon in Cape Breton and he’s excited to be a part of it, noting retirement is not yet on his agenda.
“I like business,” he said. “It’s interesting times, and there’s lots to do. I’m trying to do a few more things before I hang up my shingle.”
Chernin is one of 100 Canadians named to the Order of Canada this week. The Order of Canada was established on Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since then, more than 6,000 Canadians have been named to the order.