Three from province named to Order of Canada

Three people from Newfoundland and Labrador are on the latest list of appointments to the Order of Canada.  

The award is considered one of the country's highest civilian honours.

It recognizes a lifetime of achievement.

Writer Tom Dawe of Conception Bay South is being named a member of the Order of Canada for his work as a poet, teacher and co-founder of Breakwater Books and TickleAce magazine.

Nigel Rusted is also being named as a member of the Order of Canada.

Rusted is being recognized for his contributions as a physician and surgeon in the province for seven decades.  

Retired Gen. Rick Hillier — who now lives in Ottawa — is being named as an officer of the Order of Canada for inspiring pride in the Canadian Forces.

Hillier served as chief of Canada's defence staff from 2005 to 2008.

The trio from Newfoundland and Labrador were among 66 new appointments to the Order of Canada announced by Gov.-Gen. David Johnston.

Also on the list are former prime minister Paul Martin, hockey legend Scotty Bowman, former diplomat Robert Fowler and broadcaster Brian Williams.

The governor general's office says recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year.

Over the past four decades, more than 5,000 people have been invested into the Order.