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Governor General David Johnston inducts retired Col Chris Hadfield, a former fighter pilot with the RCAF and Canada’s first commander of the International Space Station, as an Officer of the Order of Canada on Nov. 18. Sgt Ronald Duchesne Photo
Governor General David Johnston presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Nov. 18.
The Governor General, who is chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, bestowed the honour on 12 Officers and 33 Members.
Among the inductees was retired Col Chris Hadfield, a former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot and former astronaut who was the first Canadian to command the International Space Station.
He was inducted into the Order of Canada in the grade of Officer; his citation reads as follows:
“Colonel (retired) Chris Austin Hadfield, O.C., O.Ont., M.S.C., C.D. Sarnia, Ontario
Chris Hadfield has inspired Canadians to reach new heights. His childhood dream of becoming an astronaut led him to study and train as an engineer, and then to a distinguished career as an Air Force test pilot before he was selected for the Canadian astronaut corps. Over the next 20 years, he flew on three missions to space, and served as chief capsule communicator for 25 space shuttle missions. In 2012, he became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, where his gift for sharing the wonders of space flight captured the global imagination and created renewed interest in scientific discovery.”
Hadfield signs autographs for Royal Canadian Air Cadets during the Hadfield Youth Summit held at Vintage Wings Canada in Gatineau, Que., on June 30, 2014. Peter Handley Photo
For a complete listing of all who were inducted into the Order of Canada during the Nov. 18 ceremony, along with their citations, please visit the Governor General’s website.
“We can learn a lot from you, because despite your many unique pursuits, I can think of more than a few traits that you share,” said the Governor General during the ceremony.
“You relentlessly strive for excellence. You work tirelessly at your chosen craft or profession. You eagerly seize opportunities. You know there are no shortcuts to success.
“And not least, you’ve taken to heart the motto of the Order of Canada: Desiderantes meliorem patriam— ‘They Desire a Better Country.’ As a result, each of you has helped to create stronger communities, a better country and a better world.”
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
