Fifty years ago, the Order of Canada was established as the centrepiece of Canada’s system of honours. This honour remains one of the more significant recognitions in our country — awarded to people who, in their lives and work, have shown they “desire a better country.”
This granting of honours is a gracious and tangible way for a country to pay tribute to those who exemplify the highest qualities of citizenship and whose contributions enrich the lives of their contemporaries.
There has never been a question about the Mannix family’s dedication to our great nation. They have played a role in Canadian business for the past 119 years.
That involvement received an important recognition on April 10, 1985 as F.C. Mannix was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada. At an investiture ceremony at Government House in Ottawa, he was presented with a Badge of the Order by Governor General Jeanne Sauvé. The order’s badge is in the form of a stylized snowflake of six points.
The officer appointment of Mr. F.C. Mannix is one of three levels of membership, in which the number of appointments is limited: companion (not to exceed 150 in all); officer (46 appointments maximum per year); and member (92 appointments maximum in any year).
It was truly fitting that the first Order of Canada appointments were handed out on the 100th anniversary of Confederation. As we celebrate 150 years of our great nation this July, let’s take a moment to recognize all of the impressive countrymen and women who have helped shape Canada to what it is today.
