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OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Robert Bertram, O.C.

Aurora, Ontario

Robert Bertram has revolutionized the way pension funds are managed in Canada. As a senior executive with the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan board, he was instrumental in developing an innovative pension fund investment model that is now the most successful of its kind in Canada, and which has been emulated globally. He has also helped to promote sound investment practices and improve corporate governance as a founding member of the Canadian Public Accountability Board and the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research.

The Honourable Sheila Copps, P.C., O.C.

Ottawa, Ontario

A staunch defender of all things Canadian, Sheila Copps always stands up for what she believes in. Our first female deputy prime minister, she is best known for her contributions as the minister of Canadian Heritage and as a champion of cultural, Aboriginal and women's issues. For decades, she has encouraged women to participate in public life by supporting such groups as Equal Voice and the Famous 5 Foundation. A strong advocate for cultural diversity, she has been involved in projects as diverse as the rebuilding of a Hindu temple in Hamilton and the construction of a new school in Haiti.

Francine Decary, O.C., O.Q.

Montreal, Quebec

As a hematologist, Francine Decary is internationally renowned for her leading role in the advancement of transfusion medicine. After a remarkable career as a researcher and manager, she founded Hema-Quebec, which she made into one of the most reliable and secure transfusion centres in the world and which serves as a model for others. She has also been actively involved in the scientific community within learned societies and as a professor in Canadian universities. Notably, she was the first Canadian woman to be elected as president of the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

The Honourable Kenneth (Ken) Wayne Dryden, P.C., O.C.

Toronto, Ontario

Ken Dryden is a man of versatility. As a beloved goaltender in six Stanley Cup wins, he has contributed to the sport of hockey as an athlete, team president and best-selling author of The Game. He has also contributed to public life, as Ontario's first youth commissioner, and also served as a federal cabinet minister. A champion of youth literacy and education, he personally established a post-secondary scholarship to improve access to higher learning for youth from foster homes.

Angele Dubeau, O.C., C.Q.

Montreal, Quebec

Violin virtuoso Angele Dubeau has had an exceptional career spanning over 35 years. One of Canada's most illustrious classical musicians, whose successful discography is unparalleled, she founded and leads La Pieta, an internationally renowned all-female string orchestra. Following her example, this ensemble distinguishes itself by its precise playing and the infectious joy that emanates from it. She has also pursued her passion for making classical music accessible to a wider audience; among other things, she is responsible for the popular Mont Tremblant music festival. She is also actively involved in her community and supports numerous causes and charities through benefit concerts.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Colonel John Alan Gardam, O.C., O.M.M., M.S.M., C.D. (Ret'd)

Ottawa, Ontario

John Gardam has spearheaded initiatives to commemorate and care for our country's veterans. Following a distinguished military career, he has dedicated his time to honouring the service of his fellow soldiers. He has served as the project director and curator of the Peacekeeping Monument, and has authored several books recounting the experiences of Canadian military personnel. In his community, he championed effective medical care for veterans as the chair of the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre Foundation.