Over the BC Day long weekend, it was announced that 12 people from throughout the province will be given the Order of British Columbia, one of whom is from Victoria.
The Order of British Columbia was created in 1989 and is considered to be the highest honour which can be bestowed upon someone. It is given to British Columbians by Lieutenant Governor Jane Austin.
It is awarded only to those who have distinguished themselves, excelled in their field and brought prestige to the province.
This year will be the 35th anniversary of the Order of British Columbia being awarded.
“This year’s recipients are impressive, not simply because of their outstanding contributions to their communities but also because of the diversity of their achievements,” said Austin in a statement.
“The recipients have made advances in sustainability, reconciliation, health care, technology, arts and business. I am amazed by their dedication and innovation, and I look forward to celebrating their installation into the Order at Government House.”
Of the dozen recipients, Don Mattrick was the only individual who was recognized as deserving the award from Victoria.
According to the Province, Mattrick was given this award because of his efforts in “transforming BC’s tech landscape from a basement startup to global leadership.”
Mattrick started a video game company called Distinctive Software (DSI) back in 1982, right here in BC.
In just under 10 years, DSI became the largest independent video game company in North America with 75 employees.
In 1991, DSI sold to Electronic Arts (EA), where he would end up working at a high level for many years following the sale of DSI.
The other recipients of the Order of British Columbia are:
- John Anderson – West Vancouver: for transforming global farming with sustainable practices and championing community causes
- Brenda Crabtree (Xyolholemo:t) – Vancouver: for being an enduring champion for Indigenous artists and developing groundbreaking Indigenous art programs
- Karimah Es Sabar – West Vancouver: for being a pioneering force in B.C.’s health care and life sciences sectors
- qiyəplenəxʷ Howard Grant – Vancouver: for bridging cultures and advancing Indigenous rights with over 26 years of leadership and dedication
- Lily Lee – West Vancouver: for her contributions in education, health care and housing
- William P.J. McCarthy – Burnaby: for his historic and transformative support of health care and community as one of B.C.’s most impactful philanthropists
- Colin James Munn – North Vancouver: for shaping Canadian music with his guitar mastery, electrifying performances and unwavering dedication to his community
- Imant Raminsh, C.M. – Coldstream: for enriching BC’s cultural life with his profound contributions as a composer, conductor, teacher and mentor
- Elana Rosenfeld – Invermere: for her business acumen leading Canada’s largest organic coffee company, unwavering commitment to sustainability and championing of conservation efforts
- Gary Segal, C.M. – Vancouver: for his philanthropic contributions to health care, transforming lives across borders and cultures
- Catherine Ulrich – Prince George: for her legacy of leadership and innovation in Northern Health care
The Order of British Columbia will be given to the recipients at a ceremony which will be held at the Government House in Victoria on September 4th.
Following the ceremony, there will be a total of 515 people who have been given this honour.
