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Chef, athletes named to Order of Canada

A celebrity chef, two athletes, a revered television actor and a prominent radio broadcaster were granted one of Canada’s highest civilian honours on Thursday when they were named to the Order of Canada.

OTTAWA — A celebrity chef, two athletes, a revered television actor and a prominent radio broadcaster were granted one of Canada’s highest civilian honours on Thursday when they were named to the Order of Canada.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston announced 54 new recipients of the order, his first such appointments since assuming Canada’s vice-regal office in October.

Honourees included Toronto-based chef Jamie Kennedy, a prominent leader in the city’s culinary scene who has opened multiple successful restaurants. Kennedy was named a member of the order — the lowest rank — for his promotion of local, organically grown food.

Two professional athletes, former NHL player Trevor Linden and tennis champion Daniel Nestor, join Kennedy as new members of the order. Linden, a long-time member of the Vancouver Canucks, was praised for his “ongoing sportsmanship and community engagement,” while Nestor was honoured for contributions to his sport and his charitable activities.

Philanthropy and community involvement earned member citations for two high-profile business men, former Encana Corp. president Gwyn Morgan and former Bank of Montreal chief executive Tony Comper, who was recognized alongside his wife Elizabeth.

Veteran TV and stage actor Eric Peterson — best known as the curmudgeonly Oscar Leroy on CTV’s Corner Gas — was recognized for his contributions to the performing arts.

Long-time CBC broadcaster Shelagh Rogers was named an officer of the order, the mid-tier rank, for her work promoting Canadian culture as well as her volunteer work in the areas of mental health and literacy.