Former Toronto Life editor among the 40 new Order of Canada inductees

Governor General David Johnston inducted his first group of distinguished Canucks into the Order of Canada last night. Among the 40 people to receive the honour—the highest a civilian can receive in the Great White North—were seven Torontonians, including Michael Wilson (the former ambassador to the U.S.), Marlys Edwardh (the lawyer who helped overturn the wrongful conviction of Guy Paul Morin) and the late David Pecaut (co-founder of the Luminato Festival). We’re chuffed to report that former Toronto Life editor and publisher Marq de Villiers was also among the inductees. De Villiers now writes in-depth non-fiction works with his wife from their home in Nova Scotia.

Other Torontonians on the list were Bernard S. Goldman, Patrick J. Gullane, Karen Minden, Bonnie Patterson and Mladen Vranic. The event was held last night at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Since it was established in Canada’s centennial year, the Order of Canada has welcomed over 5,000 honourees.