Twelve Manitobans will soon be receiving the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and Chancellor of the Order, Janice C. Filmon will preside over the ceremony.
Among those receiving the Order of Manitoba are award-winning singer and songwriter, Steve Bell, and President of the Manitoba Historical Society, Dr. Gordon Goldsborough.
On top of being president of the Manitoba Historical Society, Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, is an aquatic ecologist who studies the impact of humans and invasive species on lakes and wetlands.
He was surprised to receive this honour.
“I work with the Lieutenant Governor quite frequently, so it’s not uncommon for her to phone me. So when she phoned me I was expecting her to talk about something completely different. I was at a loss for words.” He adds, “It’s nice that I’m doing something that I love and people apparently appreciate it, so that’s nice to know.”
Steve Bell, whose music you can hear on 730 CKDM, says he has received awards in the past but none quite this special, as it’s awarded for contributing to the betterment of fellow citizens.
“It’s a nice sort of encouragement. I’ve always wanted my music to be more than pleasant or entertaining. I’ve always hoped that it would help us move towards a better society, more neighbourliness, justice, all of those sorts of things.”
Also receiving the order this year are:
- Transportation executive and former Winnipeg International Airport CEO, Franklin Bishop
- Indigenous historian, storyteller, educator and elder Ruth Christie
- Canola researcher and food science writer, Michael Eskin
- Former Wawanesa Mutual CEO, Gregg Hanson
- Film producer and Eagle Vision co-owner, Kyle Irving
- Winnipeg Folk Festival founding director and veteran of the Winnipeg arts community, Ava Kobrinsky
- Manitoba Museum CEO and longtime advocate of arts and culture, Claudette Leclerc
- Internationally recognized women’s rights advocate, Doris Mae Oulton
- Manitoba’s 21st premier, Greg Selinger
- Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Arni Thorsteinson
The Order of Manitoba recipients will be formally invested at a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building scheduled for July 15th, depending on CODI-19 restrictions.
