OUTSTANDING MANITOBANS CHOSEN TO RECEIVE THE ORDER OF MANITOBA
Twelve Manitobans whose contributions encompass a broad range of endeavors and accomplishments will soon receive the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. The formal investiture ceremony is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 16 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.
“The 12 exceptional Manitobans being inducted into the Order of Manitoba this year epitomize what makes Manitoba so special,” said Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, who will preside over the ceremony. “From world-class athletes and gifted musicians to compassionate community leaders and brilliant medical and scientific minds, their diverse achievements reflect the extraordinary breadth of talent, dedication and service across our province.”
Appointments to the order are made by the chancellor based on the recommendations of an advisory council. Order of Manitoba members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life. The list of all members of the Order of Manitoba is on permanent display in the Legislative Building.
The following Manitobans will be invested at the 2026 ceremony:
Tracy Dahl, C.M.
Tracy Dahl has established a career as one of Canada’s most renowned international operatic artists, having performed with every major Canadian orchestra and opera company, as well as countless international performances. She is a sought-after vocal teacher, nurturing future generations of artists across the country.
Andrew Harris
A former Canadian Football League (CFL) star running back with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Andrew Harris, is a four-time Grey Cup champion, named twice as the Most Valuable Canadian player and once as Most Valuable Player in a Grey Cup game. From his early days of football in Steinbach, he became a five-time CFL All-Star. He is also the founder of the charitable foundation, Thirty3, which addresses systemic barriers faced by local youth.
Chantal Kreviazuk, C.M.
A three-time Juno-winning singer, songwriter, composer and pianist, Chantal Kreviazuk is a multi-platinum artist from Winnipeg. In addition to her own immensely popular albums, she is a renowned songwriter who has contributed to multi-platinum projects for other artists. She is also an ambassador and honorary founder of War Child Canada, working to support children in conflict zones through advocacy, fundraising and awareness
Jocelyne Larocque
Jocelyne Larocque is a celebrated Métis professional hockey player from St. Anne. Currently the alternate captain of the Ottawa Charge in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), she is a standout defender and three-time Olympic medallist who was selected second overall in the 2023 PWHL Draft. A trailblazer, Laroque was the first Indigenous woman to play hockey at the Winter Olympics.
Dr. Peter MacDonald
An internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Peter MacDonald has risen to the top echelons of his medical specialty and is widely considered a standard bearer for best practice patient care in his field. A strategic partner in Manitoba’s world-class Pan Am Clinic, he also serves as the head team physician for the Winnipeg Jets and the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, reflecting his stature in the medical profession.
Ash Modha
As the CEO of Mondetta Clothing, Ash Modha’s work reflects more than just commercial success. From humble beginnings as child refugee, he has grown Mondetta into a global company that employs hundreds of Manitobans. Through the Mondetta Charity Foundation, he has gifted millions of dollars to both local and international causes including post-secondary scholarships for Indigenous students and resettling Ukrainian refugees.
Brian Pallister
A graduate of Brandon University’s faculty of education, Brian Pallister taught social studies in Gladstone and served as a union representative for teachers. He later started a financial services company and was elected as the MLA for Portage la Prairie in 1992 and 1995, and the member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar in 2000. He was later elected as the MLA for Fort Whyte in 2012 and 2016, and served as the 22nd premier of Manitoba from 2016 to 2021.
Dr. Joss Reimer
A prominent physician and educator, Dr. Joss Reimer was the medical lead for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Task Force, where she led the province through the largest vaccine campaign in history. Among her many leadership roles, she has served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and as medical director of public health for the City of Winnipeg. More recently, she was appointed as Canada’s chief public health officer.
Diane Roussin, M.S.M.
Diane Roussin is one of Manitoba’s most influential Indigenous leaders and a highly respected national figure in Indigenous social innovation and public-sector governance. She has spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous-led solutions that support children, youth, families and communities to thrive. Her work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, worldviews and community-driven approaches that restore agency, dignity and wellness.
Elder Billie Schibler
Elder Billie Schibler (Purple Harvest Woman) is the former chief executive officer for Manitoba’s Métis Child & Family Services Authority and previously served as the Children’s Advocate of Manitoba. A Métis Grandmother, Pipe Carrier, Ceremony Keeper and Sun Dancer, she is one of the founding members of Manitoba’s Grandmothers Protecting Our Children Council and conducts ceremonies internationally for the universal healing of Mother Earth.
Dr. Lotfollah Shafai, O.C.
Dr. Lotfollah Shafai has established Manitoba as the centre of excellence and innovations in satellite and wireless communications, antennas and electromagnetics. As professor and founding director of the world-class Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory at the University of Manitoba, his research has had a profound impact on spacecraft technology, remote sensing and the electromagnetic mapping of Arctic sea ice.
Douglas Stephen
Through his many contributions in hospitality, charitable works, education and mentorship, Douglas Stephen has given back to Manitoba through his philanthropic work. Through his WOW! Hospitality Group of companies, he has supported many organizations including CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Winnipeg Humane Society, Variety Club of Manitoba, Special Olympics Manitoba and St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.
More information about the Order of Manitoba can be found at: https://manitobalg.ca/category/order-of-manitoba/
Image – Canada.ca
