Dr. Bonnie Henry among 16 'exceptional' people appointed to Order of BC

Dr. Bonnie Henry has been selected as one of 16 people to be appointed to the Order of British Columbia.

Lt. Gov. Janet Austin, chancellor of the order, announced the latest additions today.

Dr. Henry is joined on the list by – among others – Chief Joe Alphonse of Tsilhqot'in Nation, the artist Joe Average and inventor Dr. James McEwen.

Publicizing the announcement, the BC government said of Dr. Henry: “Her exemplary commitment to the health and well-being of everyone in the province, and her tireless dedication to communicable disease prevention, leaves a lasting legacy.”

The “exceptional” 16 people given the order today were chosen from a list of 257 nominees, the government explained.

"As representative of the Crown in British Columbia and as Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, I am delighted to welcome 16 new members to the order," Lt. Gov. Austin said.

"Their extraordinary leadership has been a source of strength for communities across the province. In difficult times, they have connected us through art, culture, public service and more.

“As we move with optimism toward the future, their achievements will be a foundation of success for future generations. It is with great honour I share congratulations to these remarkable individuals."

This year's recipients are:

• Chief Joe Alphonse of Tsilhqot'in Nation

• Joe Average, MGC, of Vancouver

• Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos

• Frances Belzberg, OC, of Vancouver

• Dr. Debra Braithwaite of Victoria

• Ajay Dilawri of Vancouver

• Debra Doucette (Hewson) of the District of North Vancouver

• Dr. Bonnie J. Fraser Henry of Victoria

• Carol A. Lee of Vancouver

• James McEwen, OC, of Vancouver

• Andrew Petter, CM, QC, of Victoria

• Dolph Schluter of Vancouver

• Dr. Poul Sorensen of Vancouver

• Arran and Ratana Stephens of Vancouver

• Marvin Storrow, QC, of Vancouver

"Each one of this year's Order of British Columbia recipients has made tremendous contributions to their communities," said Premier John Horgan.

"I want to extend my congratulations and honour them for their leadership and dedication as community leaders. Trailblazers in medicine, that carried us through an incredibly difficult pandemic with expertise, grace and of course, kindness. Inspiring philanthropists, determined protectors of the environment and powerful Indigenous leaders. We are all truly grateful for your leadership."

Recipients of the Order of BC are selected by an independent advisory council, consisting this year of:

• Robert J. Bauman (chair), Chief Justice of British Columbia;
• Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly;
• Philip Steenkamp, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, Royal Roads University;
• Silas Brownsey, deputy minister, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat;
• Brian Frenkel, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities;
• Shirley Chan, OBC 2020; and
• Ruth Williams, OBC 2020.

The Order of BC investiture ceremony for 2020 and 2021 is tentatively scheduled to be held at Government House in Victoria in December 2021, the government said.