KAWARTHA LAKES-A Selwyn woman is among 21 people appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.
A trained veterinarian and wildlife custodian, Dr. Sue Carstairs is the executive and medical director of the Ontario Conservation Centre (home of Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre), and has dedicated herself to saving, rehabilitating, and protecting Ontario’s turtles and educating others about the importance of turtles to Ontario wetlands.
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario announced 21 new appointments today.
“On behalf of all Ontarians, I congratulate the 2018 Order of Ontario appointees. Members of the Order of Ontario exemplify, individually and collectively, the best qualities of good citizenship,” said Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Through their voluntary service, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, they demonstrate how we in Ontario are working to build a more just and sustainable future. The work and contributions of each appointee challenge us to take an active interest in where we live and how we care for the environment and one another.”
The Order of Ontario honours individuals whose achievements have left a lasting legacy in the province, in Canada, and beyond according to the governement. Members of the Order of Ontario come from all walks of life, represent diverse fields of endeavour, and have played an important role in shaping the province.
“The Ontario government is proud to recognize the 2018 Order of Ontario appointees—and I ask all Ontarians to join me in honouring the 21 individuals who have made an indelible mark on our province,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “We are humbled and inspired by the appointees who have passionately dedicated their insights, enthusiasm and time to improving the quality of life for Ontarians, Canadians and the world. This honour is truly well-deserved.”
The first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, Hon. Jean Augustine who served as MP and Cabinet Minister from 1993 to 2006 was also among the appointees. She has contributed to Canada’s official multiculturalism policy and the Metro Toronto Anti-Drug Strategy, and served on boards in the areas of education, health care, and housing.
Embattled former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will also be honoured. A press release from the Lieutenant Governor says “McGuinty championed measures to improve education, health care, the environment and the economy. Among other initiatives, his administration introduced full-day kindergarten, closed coal plants and created the Greenbelt region.”
The Lieutenant Governor will bestow the honour upon the newest appointees during an investiture ceremony at Queen’s Park on March 11, 2020.
Here’s a full list of those being honoured. https://news.ontario.ca/mtc/en/2020/02/the-2018-appointees-to-the-order-of-ontario.html
