- What is the Order of Manitoba?Established in 1999, the Order is the highest honour in the Province of Manitoba. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.
- Who is Eligible for the Order?Any Canadian citizen who is a current citizen of the province, or was a long-time resident of Manitoba, can be nominated for membership in the Order, except Members of Parliament, Senators, Members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and Judges of any court while they are in office. Posthumous nominations are not accepted. Only individuals may be nominated; not couples, groups or organizations.
- Who Can be Considered for the Order?If you know someone who has demonstrated excellence and achievement, and has made a mark on our province and its people, you should consider nominating him or her for the Order of Manitoba. Examples of fields of endeavour recognized by this honour include agriculture, business and industry, volunteer service, education and research, the literary, visual and performing arts, occupational and professional achievement, public and community service. All nominations come from the public, so we rely on citizens like you to submit names of deserving recipients. It’s a special way of honouring individuals you respect and admire for their contributions to Manitoba and its residents.
- How Can I Nominate Someone?Click here to fill out the nomination form. Nominations stand for two years, after which individuals can be re-nominated as many times as desired. You may also ask up to three (3) other citizens to send in letters supporting your nomination. However, only one nomination form is required for each nominee. Note: The Council may contact nominators and supporters to clarify information provided, but will not otherwise contact them regarding the status of their nomination unless their candidate is selected.
- How Do I Write a Compelling Nomination?Used with permission from the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat In order for your nomination to stand out against the many others we receive, your nomination should describe what is outstanding about your nominee’s achievements and show memorably and persuasively how and where they have made a difference. To achieve this, it is important to use specific and concrete examples to illustrate how your nominee meets each of the eligibility and award criteria. Provide examples of how your nominee has demonstrated outstanding character and is a deserving candidate for the honour or award. A compelling nomination should also describe as vividly and precisely as possible the difference your nominee’s contribution has made and show why it has been important. An ineffective nomination usually includes an extended CV or resume, list of other appointments or awards, educational achievements, and/or a description of their professional responsibilities. Remember that longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. When presenting your nominee, keep your explanations clear and to the point while ensuring there is enough information for the selection panel to make their decision. The testimonial letters should be written by individuals who know the nominee well enough to be able to talk about the impact of their achievement from first-hand experience, be current and written specifically for the honour or award you are nominating for, and provide various examples from a range of views and perspectives. The testimonial letters should not simply state that the authors support the nomination – they need to provide more information about the nominee and their achievement. It is often perceived that a testimonial letter written by an influential or high-profile individual will automatically give it more weight; however this is not the case if the letter does not specifically address the nominee’s merits.
- How are the Recipients Chosen?An independent Advisory Council evaluates all nominations and recommends candidates to the Chancellor for membership in the Order. The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba serves as the Chancellor of the Order. The Chancellor invests those individuals whose names are recommended by the Council. The number of appointments recommended for membership in the Order each year is limited, and not everyone nominated will be recommended.
- Who Serves on the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council?The Order of Manitoba Advisory Council includes the Chief Justice of Manitoba and the Clerk of the Executive Council, as well as the presidents of Manitoba’s universities and Red River College each serving on a rotational two-year basis. The Council also includes not more than six members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, each for a term of three years.
- What do Order of Manitoba Members Receive?Appointments to the Order of Manitoba are announced each year by the Lieutenant Governor, as Chancellor, on the date that The Manitoba Act was passed by Parliament (May 12, 1870). A formal installation ceremony is held on or about the date that Manitoba entered Confederation (July 15, 1870). The Chancellor presents each member of the Order of Manitoba with an attractive medal in the form of a stylized crocus, the provincial floral emblem, bearing the shield of Manitoba’s coat of arms surmounted by the Crown. They also receive a lapel pin and a certificate. Members of the Order are entitled to use the initials “O.M.” after their names. A special plaque honouring all those who receive the Order of Manitoba is located on the second floor of the Manitoba Legislative Building.
- When Do I Send in the Nomination Form?Submission of nominations is accepted and encouraged year-round; the deadline is December 31. Nominations received after this date will be held over for consideration the following year. Inquiries regarding the Order of Manitoba can be directed to the Secretary of the Advisory Council at (204) 945-5239.
Order of Manitoba
Manitoba’s highest honour recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well being of Manitoba and its residents. Established by the Honourable Peter M. Liba in 1999.
Outstanding Manitobans Chosen to Receive the 2026 Order of Manitoba
Twelve Manitobans whose contributions encompass a broad range of endeavours and accomplishments will soon receive the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. The formal investiture ceremony is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.
“The 12 outstanding Manitobans to be invested into the 2026 Order of Manitoba serve to inspire us and reinforce that we all have the power to make a difference,” said Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, who will preside over ceremony. “The vast and varied contributions made by these individuals, whether their impact is felt on the local, national or international level, are most worthy of acknowledgement and acclaim.”
Appointments to the order are made by the chancellor based on the recommendations of an advisory council. Order of Manitoba members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life. The list of all members of the Order of Manitoba is on permanent display in the Legislative Building.
The following Manitobans will be invested at the 2026 ceremony:
Tracy Dahl, C.M.
Established a career as one of Canada’s most renowned international operatic artists, having performed with every major Canadian orchestra and opera company, as well as countless international performances. She is a sought-after vocal teacher, nurturing future generations of artists across the country.
Andrew Harris
A former Canadian Football League (CFL) star running back with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Andrew Harris, is a four-time Grey Cup champion, named twice as the Most Valuable Canadian player and once as Most Valuable Player in a Grey Cup game. From his early days of football in Steinbach, he became a five-time CFL All-Star. He is also the founder of the charitable foundation, Thirty3, which addresses systemic barriers faced by local youth.
Chantal Kreviazuk, C.M.
A three-time Juno-winning singer, songwriter, composer and pianist, Chantal Kreviazuk is a multi-platinum artist from Winnipeg. In addition to her own immensely popular albums, she is a renowned songwriter who has contributed to multi-platinum projects for other artists. She is also an ambassador and honorary founder of War Child Canada, working to support children in conflict zones through advocacy, fundraising and awareness.
Jocelyne Larocque
A celebrated Métis professional hockey player from St. Anne. Currently the alternate captain of the Ottawa Charge in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), she is a standout defender and three-time Olympic medallist who was selected second overall in the 2023 PWHL Draft. A trailblazer, Laroque was the first Indigenous woman to play hockey at the Winter Olympics.
Dr. Peter MacDonald
An internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Peter MacDonald has risen to the top echelons of his medical specialty and is widely considered a standard bearer for best practice patient care in his field. A strategic partner in Manitoba’s world-class Pan Am Clinic, he also serves as the head team physician for the Winnipeg Jets and the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, reflecting his stature in the medical profession.
Ash Modha
As the CEO of Mondetta Clothing, Ash Modha’s work reflects more than just commercial success. From humble beginnings as child refugee, he has grown Mondetta into a global company that employs hundreds of Manitobans. Through the Mondetta Charity Foundation, he has gifted millions of dollars to both local and international causes including post-secondary scholarships for Indigenous students and resettling Ukrainian refugees.
Brian Pallister
A graduate of Brandon University’s faculty of education, Brian Pallister taught social studies in Gladstone and served as a union representative for teachers. He later started a financial services company and was elected as the MLA for Portage la Prairie in 1992 and 1995, and the member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar in 2000. He was later elected as the MLA for Fort Whyte in 2012 and 2016, and served as the 22nd premier of Manitoba from 2016 to 2021.
Dr. Joss Reimer
A prominent physician and educator, Dr. Joss Reimer was the medical lead for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Task Force, where she led the province through the largest vaccine campaign in history. Among her many leadership roles, she has served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and as medical director of public health for the City of Winnipeg. More recently, she was appointed as Canada’s chief public health officer.
Diane Roussin, M.S.M.
One of Manitoba’s most influential Indigenous leaders and a highly respected national figure in Indigenous social innovation and public-sector governance. She has spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous-led solutions that support children, youth, families and communities to thrive. Her work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, worldviews and community-driven approaches that restore agency, dignity and wellness.
Elder Billie Schibler (Purple Harvest Woman)
The former chief executive officer for Manitoba’s Métis Child & Family Services Authority and previously served as the Children’s Advocate of Manitoba. A Métis Grandmother, Pipe Carrier, Ceremony Keeper and Sun Dancer, she is one of the founding members of Manitoba’s Grandmothers Protecting Our Children Council and conducts ceremonies internationally for the universal healing of Mother Earth.
Dr. Lotfollah Shafai, O.C.
Established Manitoba as the centre of excellence and innovations in satellite and wireless communications, antennas and electromagnetics. As professor and founding director of the world-class Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory at the University of Manitoba, his research has had a profound impact on spacecraft technology, remote sensing and the electromagnetic mapping of Arctic sea ice.
Douglas Stephen
Through his many contributions in hospitality, charitable works, education and mentorship, Douglas Stephen has given back to Manitoba through his philanthropic work. Through his WOW! Hospitality Group of companies, he has supported many organizations including CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Winnipeg Humane Society, Variety Club of Manitoba, Special Olympics Manitoba and St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.
The Order of Manitoba Advisory Council relies upon nominations from the public. To nominate a deserving Manitoban for the 2027 Order of Manitoba, visit www.manitobalg.ca.
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Contact:
Bradley Robertson
Chief of Protocol and Secretary to the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council
204-945-3939
