December 29, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) “” Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced today 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include Olympic cyclist and speed skater Clara Hughes. These appointments have been in effect since October 25, 2007. Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

On the recommendation of the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada, the Governor General is pleased to announce the appointment of Clara Hughes of Glen Sutton, Quebec and Winnipeg, Manitoba to the position of Officer of the Order of Canada for her achievements in sport, notably as Canada’s only athlete to win medals at both the summer and winter Olympic Games, and for her contributions as an engaged and influential humanitarian due to her work with the organization Right to Play www.righttoplay.com.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is our country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.

Three different levels of membership””Companion, Officer and Member””honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The Governor General is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Membership in the Advisory Council reflects the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain Advisory Council members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed to the Council for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.

Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals as candidates for appointment. Any Canadian may be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who may not be appointed while holding office.

Non-Canadians may be considered for honorary appointments.