12 Manitobans awarded province's highest honour

The latest inductees into theOrder of Manitoba,the province's highest honour, are 12 people with backgrounds in advocacy, education, acting, politics, science,human rightsand philanthropy.

The order was established in 1999 to honour thosewho have demonstrated excellence and achievement, helping to enrichthe social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.

Recipients areannounced everyMay 12to coincide with the day the Manitoba Act received royal assent in 1870.

In a news release, Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, called the recipients"leaders, visionaries and mentors, whose efforts have enriched lives across the province, the country and around the world."

The formal investiture ceremony is scheduled for July 20at the legislative building.

The new members are:

• Jamie Brownhas been CEO and executive producer of Frantic Films since 2000.

• David (Ace)Burpeehosts of the Ace Burpee Showon 103.1 Virgin Radio and is amental health advocate.

• John Einarson, aformer high school history teacher, is a broadcaster and rock music historian and author of more than a dozen music biographies.

• Charles Huband,a lawyer, former judge, political leader and community activist, was instrumental in the creation of Prairie Theatre Exchange and is co-founder of the Westminster Housing Society.

• Honourable Janis Johnson, C.M., former senator, contributed to the founding of the Mature Women's Health Clinic (now the Women's Health Centre),founded the Gimli Film Festival and assisted in the development ofQaumajuq.

• Alvina Rundle,dedicated to helping Indigenous people involved in the justice system, was instrumental in establishing courts in remote Indigenous communities and providing language interpretation services.

• Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaumisbest known for his work in understanding why the cells of the heart die after a heart attack and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

• Terumi Kuwadais aretired social worker andadvocate for human rights and social justice.

• Dr. Gerry Price,CEO of Price Industries, one of the province's largest private employers, supports charities and capital campaigns in Manitoba.

• Dr. Richard Smithdedicated most of career to advocating for those impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Manitoba and established the Village Clinic (now Nine Circles Community Health Centre).

• Elaine Stevensonco-founded the Alyssa Stevenson Eating Disorder Memorial Trust, with a mission to bring about essential change in the care and treatment of eating disorders across Canada.

• Amarjeet Warraich,former commissioner of Manitoba's Human Rights Commission, oversaw a period of landmark new initiatives, including the proclamation of the Manitoba Human Rights Code in 1988.

Appointments to the Order of Manitobaare made by the chancellor based on the recommendations of an advisory council. Members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life.

The list of all members is on permanent display in the legislative building.