google-site-verification=sVM5bW4dz4pBUBx08fDi3frlhMoRYb75bthh-zE8SYY Icons and Underdogs: The New Year’s Order of Canada List - TAX Assistant

Icons and Underdogs: The New Year’s Order of Canada List

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Icons and Underdogs: The New Year’s Order of Canada List

The 2025 Order of Canada list is officially out, and it’s a mix of Olympic gold and cultural grit. Governor General Mary Simon has appointed 80 Canadians to the nation’s highest honor.

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The Heavy Hitters:

  • Pop Culture: High-energy interviewer Nardwuar and country star Terri Clark join the ranks.
  • The Legends: Children’s entertainer Raffi moves up to Companion—the highest tier.
  • The Athletes: Olympic stars Andre De Grasse and Ellie Black are now Members.
  • Legal Giants: Former Supreme Court Justices Rosalie Abella and Michael Moldaver were also honored as Companions.

Caption: Big news to ring in the New Year

80 incredible Canadians just received the Order of Canada. Here’s who you need to know:

🎤 The Voice of a Generation: Raffi (yes, the Baby Beluga guy!) has been promoted to Companion.

🏃‍♂️ The Need for Speed: Andre De Grasse joins the Order for his dominance on the track and his work with youth.

🎤 Doot doo! Vancouver’s own Nardwuar the Human Serviette makes the list (and yes, he used his stage name).

🤸‍♀️ Gymnastics Royalty: Ellie Black is recognized for her trailblazing career.

From scientists to songwriters, these are the people making Canada better. Check out the full list below!

Memorandum: New Year’s 2025 Order of Canada Appointment

Governor General Mary Simon announced 80 new appointments to the Order of Canada on December 31, 2025. This cohort reflects excellence across 15 Officers, 59 Members, and 6 Companions.

Key Categories of Recognition:

  • Judiciary: Significant honors for former SCC Justices Rosalie Silberman Abella and Michael Moldaver.
  • Arts & Media: Recognition of Nardwuar the Human Serviette (Journalism) and Terri Clark (Music).
  • Sports: Inclusion of high-performance athletes Andre De Grasse and Ellie Black.
  • Science & Medicine: Notable promotions for Dr. Lorne Tyrrell and Dr. Shaf Keshavjee for their breakthroughs in healthcare.

Comparison of Tiers

LevelNumber AppointedFocus
Companion (CC)6Highest degree of merit to Canada/humanity
Officer (OC)15Outstanding achievement/service
Member (CM)59Distinguished service in a local/specialized field