Monday August 2, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke, Editor | Island Social Trends
The 2021 recipients of the Order of BC (OBC) have been announced by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, chancellor of the order.
Out of 257 nominees this year, there has been a final selection of 16 recipients of the Province’s highest form of recognition. Last year there were 13 recipients from among 160 nominees. Anyone may submit a nomination.
The 2021 new recipients brings the total number of Order of BC recipients to 475 since the inception of the award process in 1989; over 6,200 public nominations have been received over the past 32 years.
The list this year includes Dr Bonnie Henry who has become widely known for her approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic in BC.
Celebrations postponed:
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — and also now some renovations at Government House — the combined celebration for 2020 and 2021 recipients and invited guests is tentatively scheduled to be held at Government House in Victoria in December 2021.
There was no gathering of 2020 Order of BC recipients for a celebration last year, due to the public health restrictions of the pandemic.
LG & Premier:
“I am delighted to welcome 16 new members to the order,” Lt Gov Austin said in a news release. “Their extraordinary leadership has been a source of strength for communities across the province. In difficult times, they have connected us through art, culture, public service and more.”
“As we move with optimism toward the future, their achievements will be a foundation of success for future generations. It is with great honour I share congratulations to these remarkable individuals,” said Austin.
Premier John Horgan says that “each one of this year’s Order of British Columbia recipients has made tremendous contributions to their communities”.
The 2021 recipients:
The Order of BC recipients for 2021 are [see full PDF of 2021 Order of BC recipient biographies]:
- Chief Joe Alphonse of Tsilhqot’in Nation
- Joe Average, MGC, of Vancouver
- Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos
- Frances Belzberg, OC, of Vancouver
- Dr Debra Braithwaite of Victoria
- Ajay Dilawri of Vancouver
- Debra Doucette (Hewson) of the District of North Vancouver
- Dr Bonnie J Fraser Henry of Victoria
- Carol A Lee of Vancouver
- James McEwen, OC, of Vancouver
- Andrew Petter, CM, QC, of Victoria
- Dolph Schluter of Vancouver
- Dr Poul Sorensen of Vancouver
- Arran and Ratana Stephens of Vancouver
- Marvin Storrow, QC, of Vancouver
Choosing the recipients:
Any resident of BC, or former long-term resident, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction in any field of endeavour is eligible to be nominated. Fields of endeavour may include community leadership, business, labour, industry, volunteer service, professions and other occupations, arts, sports and others. | About the Order of BC [PDF]
Recipients of the Order of BC are selected by an independent advisory council. The 2021 advisory council consisted of a range of high-ranking persons in government, education and municipal leadership as well as two 2020 recipients:
- Robert J Bauman (chair), Chief Justice of British Columbia
- Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- Philip Steenkamp, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, Royal Roads University
- Silas Brownsey, deputy minister, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
- Brian Frenkel, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities
- Shirley Chan, OBC 2020; and
- Ruth Williams, OBC 2020.
===== GOVERNMENT LINKS:
Order of BC | Biographies of 2021 OBC Recipients | Biographies of 2020 OBC Recipients
===== RELATED:
2020 Order of BC recipients to be celebrated in person next year (August 3, 2020)
