HispanicBusiness

Des McAnuff, C.M.

Stratford, Ontario

Des McAnuff has made outstanding contributions to the arts. An accomplished director of Shakespeare, opera and musical theatre, as well as a writer and composer, he has been the creative force behind such award-winning productions as the Broadway hits Jersey Boys and The Who's Tommy. He has also distinguished himself as the artistic director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, where he has created opportunities for Canadian playwrights and has cultivated the talents of Canadian directors and actors.

Howard McCurdy, C.M., O. Ont.

LaSalle, Ontario

Howard McCurdy is a champion of human rights. While serving as a professor of microbiology and chemistry at the University of Windsor, he worked to break down racial barriers in his community. He founded the Guardian Club, which raises awareness about racism and discrimination, and served as the first president of the National Black Coalition of Canada. His desire for equality eventually carried him into the political realm, where he was highly regarded both for his scientific expertise and for his commitment to social justice.

Lois Mitchell, C.M.

Calgary, Alberta

Lois Mitchell has been a tireless volunteer for three decades, contributing immeasurably to the quality of life of her community. Founder of a consulting and marketing firm, she has generously shared her knowledge and expertise in leading several organizations, including the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Global Business Forum. She has also been a passionate promoter of women in business and sports, and has established endowments to support female athletes in Canada. She served as the chair of the first-ever World Women's Under-18 Hockey Championships, held in Calgary, in 2008.

Jacqueline Oland, C.M.

New River Beach, New Brunswick

Jacqueline Oland is a passionate advocate for the cultural life of Atlantic Canada. As a volunteer and philanthropist, she has been a driving force for such organizations as the Imperial Theatre, the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada and the Neptune Theatre. In partnership with Saint John's Resource Centre for Youth, she has ensured that low-income and homeless youth have access to social services as well as the performing arts. An amateur actress, she has raised funds for student bursaries at the National Theatre School, helping to develop the next generation of actors.

Marina Orsini, C.M.

Montreal, Quebec

Actress and radio host Marina Orsini is a darling of Quebec culture. Beginning with her sensational breakthrough on the cult television series "Lance et compte," other roles on the small and large screens have followed. Performing equally well in English and French, she is renowned for her natural gift for portraying her characters with authenticity. Memorably, she immortalized the characters of Emilie Bordeleau in Les filles de Caleb, and Dr. Lucille Teasdale in Dr. Lucille. Host of the popular radio program "5 a 8 de Marina" on Rouge fm, she is also known for her community involvement, notably with Tel-jeunes, for which she has been the spokesperson for over two decades.

Jagannath Wani, C.M.

Calgary, Alberta

Jagannath Wani has spent decades building bridges between Canada and India. A professor emeritus of statistics and actuarial science at the University of Calgary, he has invited musicians and dancers from his native country to perform across Canada, helping to enrich the cultural community in his adopted home. He also founded a relief agency that relies on Canadian funds and expertise to provide essential services to India's homeless and destitute. An advocate for mental health, he was a founding member of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, and of the Schizophrenia Awareness Association, in India.