Shannon joins Order of Canada
SYDNEY — Cape Breton businessman Joe Shannon received the Order of Canada Friday at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Shannon, who makes his home in Long Point, Inverness Co., was lauded for his contributions as a business leader in Cape Breton and for his support of many organizations.
He was one of 38 distinguished citizens Friday to become members of the order or who have had their order elevated to the next level.
There are three levels to the Order of Canada — member, officer and companion.
It’s one of our country’s highest civilian honours. It was established in 1967 to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation.
Shannon, originally from Sydney, has lived in Long Point, near the Canso Causeway, for many years.
As president of Atlantic Corp. Ltd., a holding company that includes Shannex Health Care, Seaboard/Harmac Transportation Group, and AIT Services, he has built up a multimillion-dollar fortune.
Shannon holds an honorary doctorate of laws from Cape Breton University and was chair of the board of governors in the early 1990s.
His family gave the university a $2-million donation during its campaign to build the business school, which bears his name.