Tuesday September 16, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends | Watch the September 16, 2025 livestream.
Premier David Eby presided at the Order of BC investiture today for 15 new recipients of the province’s highest award.
Together with BC Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia he congratulated each of the recipients on stage in the ballroom at Government House in Victoria this afternoon.
“I am so grateful for the contributions of our recipients this year,” the Premier said when opening his remarks. Contributions were recognized in arts, science, business, the nonprofit sector, and entrepreneurship.
His continued on a theme of how the friends, families and colleagues of the people who receive awards are valued and honoured.
“I don’t know — but I suspect — that your achievements were not accomplished solely, individually, by you,” said Eby.
“And when you sit and reflect on your career — the life and opportunities you had — and the paths you could have taken and the paths you did take — there were people along the way — they might have been teachers, parents or friends, mentors, colleagure . I don’t know your story but I do know that you’re not here alone,” the premier said thoughtfully.
“In order to end up on the stage today you had to make sacrifices, and make decisions, and occasionally the cost of those decisions landed on other people,” the Premier said at the podium.
“I know that these jobs are demanding and that leadership roles are challenging. You have the support of those who are here and those are maybe not here who had your backs the whole way,” he said in wrapping up his two-minute speech.
After the formal ceremony there was official photo-taking and an opportunity to mingle over refreshments.
2025 Order of BC Recipients:
- Stan Bevan (Satsan), Terrace, for his cultural leadership, mastery as a carver and pioneering contributions to education that shaped a generation of Northwest Coast First Nations artists.
- Graham Clarke, Vancouver, for his role in driving Vancouver’s rise as a global hub through visionary leadership in aviation, trade and tourism.
- Charmaine Crooks, CM, West Vancouver, for her trailblazing Olympic legacy and tireless advocacy for youth, equity and global sport.
- Dr. Sandy Dhami, Richmond, for her enduring dedication to transforming the lives of neurodiverse children and families through inclusive education, mental-health advocacy and compassionate care.
- Dr. Ruth Grunau, Vancouver, for her pioneering research that has transformed global understanding and care of infant pain, advancing neonatal health of infants born very pre-term and shaping clinical practices worldwide.
- Elder Gwen Harry (Chésha7 / Wigistame), Squamish, for her lifetime of transformative leadership in education, healing and economic development, all while inspiringcollaborative reconciliation in B.C.
- Dr. Mark Jaccard, Vancouver, for his career contributions to global climate action through innovative energy and environment policy analysis, public engagement and pragmatic, science-based leadership.
- Jeremy Kinsman, Victoria, for his lifelong service in diplomacy and public dialogue, advancing Canada’s voice on the global stage.
- Chief Robert Louie (Simo), OC, West Kelowna, for his transformative leadership in Indigenous self-governance and economic development, setting a national standard for community empowerment and prosperity.
- Dr. Robin Love, Lantzville, for his visionary leadership and mentorship, while transforming palliative care and inspiring a global standard of compassionate, equitable end-of-life care.
- Susannah Pierce, West Vancouver, for her groundbreaking leadership in business and unwavering advocacy for women and Indigenous communities.
- Allan Seckel, KC, Vancouver, for his leadership and lasting impact across law, government Honours and Awards Secretariat and community, helping to shape a more just and inclusive B.C.
- Martha Sturdy, West Vancouver, for her groundbreaking contributions to art and design, while inspiring generations through bold creativity, global influence and a lifelong commitment to trailblazing for women in business and the arts.
- Alan Twigg, CM, Vancouver, for his unparalleled contributions to B.C.’s literary landscape, championing writers, preserving stories and building the foundation of a thriving literary culture.
- Dr. John Yee, Vancouver, for his life-saving leadership in lung transplantation and cancer screening, delivering world-class care and hope to patients in B.C.
===== RELATED:
- The OBC and MGC recipients of previous years
- Fifteen Order of BC recipients in 2025 announced on BC Day (August 4, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: EVENTS