K.d. lang one of eight recipients of Alberta Order of Excellence
Eight Albertans — including multiple award-winning songwriter k.d. lang — received an Alberta Order of Excellence award from the province Thursday.
Appearing alongside lang at this year’s ceremony, and joining the 165 other Albertans who have received the award since it was first created in 1979, were some of Alberta’s most respected labour leaders, philanthropists, educators and lawyers.
The ceremony at Government House was hosted by Lt.- Gov. Lois E. Mitchell.
“Each member of the Alberta Order of Excellence has contributed something truly unique and lasting to our province,” Mitchell said in a statement.
“They are trailblazers who share the best of themselves and who encourage us all to join in the goal of building the brightest possible future for Albertans and all Canadians.”
Inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence for 2018 are:
Reg Basken (Sherwood Park)
Reg Basken is one of Canada’s
most respected labour leaders. He is known for his collaborative negotiating style, particularly in the energy sector, and for championing medicare. He supports the community through United Way and the Edmonton Community Foundation.
Rosella Bjornson (Sherwood Park)
Capt. Rosella Bjornson is an icon
in Canadian aviation. As the first female airline jet pilot, she paved the way for women in aviation and was pivotal in changing the regulations to allow pregnant pilots the right to fly.
Wayne Chiu (Calgary)
Wayne Chiu is a successful businessman and philanthropist with a passion for social entrepreneurship. He is an advocate for affordable housing, and has supported many community organizations through the creation of the Trico Charitable Foundation.
k.d. lang (Calgary)
k.d. lang is one of Canada’s most ■
versatile and gifted singer-songwriters, who has earned multiple Juno and Grammy awards. She is a strong advocate for many causes, including LGBTQ rights, music education and animal protection.
David Manz (Calgary)
Dr. David Manz is a worldrenowned ■ expert and educator in the fields of irrigation engineering and climate change. He invented the Manz BioSand Water Filter, an affordable technology that provides safe water for millions of people around the world.
Solomon Rolingher (Edmonton)
Sol Rolingher is a lawyer and
community leader who is recognized for his work with the Phoenix Multi-Faith Society for Harmony and the River Valley Alliance. He has also made significant contributions to Alberta’s education and health-care sectors.
Allan Wachowich (Edmonton)
Allan Wachowich has made significant contributions as a lawyer, justice and active citizen. With his work in the legal profession, and the greater community, his focus has been fairness and providing equal opportunities for all members of society.
Ralph Young (Edmonton)
Ralph Young is a community
builder who has a reputation for integrity, insight and inspiring others. He works tirelessly to support and enhance the community in which he lives, with a focus on education and the preservation of Canadian history.