Three residents of the Kawarthas — Brian Finley and Donna Bennett of Westben Theatre in Campbellford and Peterborough’s Katherine Carleton of Orchestras Canada — have been invested in the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours.
At an investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday (November 17), Governor General Julie Payette bestowed the insignia on 44 Canadians.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Order of Canada, which was created to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Since 1967, almost 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
The Order of Canada has three levels: “Companion” recognizes national pre-eminence or international service or achievement, “Officer” recognizes national service or achievement, and “Member” recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity.
At Friday’s investiture ceremony, Finley, Bennett, and Carleton received their medals as Members of the Order of Canada. Their honours were originally announced in December 2016.
Westben Arts Festival Theatre founders Brian Finley and Donna Bennett were recognized for their dedication to fostering the performing arts, musical education, and community building in rural Ontario.
“Donna Bennett and Brian Finley have created a cultural cornerstone in rural Ontario,” reads their Order of Canada citation. “After pursuing their individual performance careers, this musical duo established Westben, a performing arts festival in the Trent Hills region.
“Thanks to their vision and leadership, the festival has brought together both professional and amateur musicians, exposed local audiences to music of the highest calibre, and achieved artistic excellence. Their work has contributed to community building in the region, and has played an important role in supporting Canadian music and emerging artists.”
Orchestras Canada Executive Director Katherine Carleton was recognized for her efforts to promote a thriving arts and culture sector in Canada as an advocate and voice for Canadian orchestras.
“Katherine Carleton is an important voice for Canadian artists and musicians,” reads her Order of Canada citation. “In a career spanning 30 years, she has worked as a clarinetist, teacher and administrator, most recently as head of Orchestras Canada.
“Regarded as an articulate arts advocate, she has helped raise the profile of classical music and unify the arts sector in a changing cultural landscape. Her initiatives, including the creation of the Performing Arts Alliance of Canada, have promoted cross-disciplinary advocacy, driven national arts policy and established professional development for leaders in the sector.”
Also honoured at Friday’s investiture ceremony were Sudbury native and Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, Winnipeg native and comedian David Steinberg, and four members of The Tragically Hip (Kingston’s Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, and Gord Sinclair). Gord Downie, who passed away on October 17th, received his Order of Canada honour at a ceremony in June.
