Three Manitobans get Canada's highest honour

Governor General David Johnston has announced the latest appointments to the Order of Canada. 

Three Manitobans are recipients: filmmaker Guy Maddin, philanthropist John Buhler and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre artistic director Steven Schipper.

Guy Maddin received an Order of Canada for his contributions to the growth and development of the film industry in his province and across Canada.

Guy Maddin is essentially responsible for putting Winnipeg on the map in the film world. His quirky and experimental films include Saddest Music in the World, My Winnipeg and most recently Keyhole.

His latest film premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival and won Best Canadian Feature at the Whistler Film Festival in December.

Phyllis Laing is president of Buffalo Gal Pictures and has been the executive producer of a number of Maddin's films. "Guy is probably Manitoba's greatest cultural export," she said. "He's been recognized throughout the world as one of the most unique filmmaking talents. We applaud Guy Maddin in his continuing impact that he will have both in Canada and internationally."

John Buhler was recognized for his contributions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist to arts, education, health care and organizations in his province as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He and his wife Bonnie have donated generously to the arts.

A number of buildings and centres in Winnipeg bear the Buhler name, including The Buhler Gallery at St. Boniface Hospital, The Buhler Cancer Centre at Victoria Hospital,  the Buhler Reflective Gardens at St. Amant Centre, The John Buhler Research Centre at the University of Manitoba and the Buhler Centre on Portage Avenue which is home to Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art and the University of Winnipeg's Faculty of Business and Economics, Division of Continuing Education.

Anthony Kiendl is the executive director of Plug In Inc. at the Buhler Centre. "I can wholeheartedly say they provide generous leadership and philanthropy to the community," he commented. "Speaking on behalf of the arts community, their support is incredibly important to arts organizations such as ours."

Steven Schipper has been appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian theatre, notably his work with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. He has been artistic director of RMTC since 1989. He is credited with enhancing the company's artistry and donor base.

Schipper has directed a number of productions through the years including Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Mark Stein's Mating Dance of the Werewolf and RMTC's production of Romeo and Juliet.

Schipper learned that he received the award while he was working in London, England. He returned home the next day and admitted that he was flying so high "there was no need for an airplane."

"Theatre is a shared experience," he continued. "I will share this honour with my family and friends and of course with everyone at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. I did not make the RMTC. The RMTC made me."

The Order of Canada is one of our country's highest civilian honours. It was established in 1967, during Canada's centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

The appointments are issued twice a year. 70 Canadians were appointed in this round. The investiture ceremony will take place in Ottawa in the fall.