Dr. Bonnie Henry appointed to the Order of B.C.

British Columbia’s top doctor will receive the province’s highest honour.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry was one of 16 people appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the province announced Monday. Henry has been at the forefront of B.C.’s response to the coronavirus pandemic since its onset last year and received widespread praise, particularly in the early stages of the pandemic, for her efforts.

“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,” Lt. Gov. Janet Austin, chancellor of the order, said in a media release.

Also appointed were 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; Carol A. Lee of Vancouver; James McEwen, OC, of Vancouver; Andrew Petter, lawyer and former B.C. attorney general, of Victoria; Dolph Schluter of Vancouver; Dr. Poul Sorensen of Vancouver; Arran and Ratana Stephens of Vancouver and 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.”

A total of 475 British Columbians have been appointed to the Order of B.C. and more than 250 individuals were nominated for the order this year, according to the provincial government.

The Tsilhqot’in Nation says in a statement it is celebrating the appointment of Chief Alphonse, who helped lead the nation’s Supreme Court of Canada land title victory in 2014.

“Chief Alphonse has inspired and empowered Indigenous peoples around the world, and today, the Tsilhqot’in Nation celebrates and thanks him for his many contributions,” says the nation.

The Order of B.C. investiture ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Government House in December and will include recipients from 2020 and 2021.

With files from The Canadian Press

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