Order of Canada recipients react to their appointment

“Overwhelmed,” “honoured” and “grateful” were just some of the reactions from those who were part of the latest round of people appointed to the Order of Canada.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced the 99 appointees Thursday.

Among them included NHL star and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby, actors Eugene Levy and Victor Jay Garber, astronaut David Saint-Jacques and Harry LaForme, Canada’s first Indigenous appellate court judge.

Retired Olympian and professional soccer player Karina LeBlanc was also one of the 99 appointees. LeBlanc participated in five FIFA World Cups representing team Canada and played in two Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in the summer of 2012.

LeBlanc was appointed to the honour due to her, “contributions to the sport of soccer worldwide, and for her use of soccer as a tool for social change.”

She took to Twitter to express her reaction to her appointment and said she, “could not have dreamt of this honour.”

Another appointee, Timothy Caulfield, who is a professor and author, also took to the platform to show his gratitude for his appointment.

Caulfield, who is being recognized for his work in health law and combating misinformation, thanked his peers and said, “So fortunate to have always been surrounded by amazing, creative, & brilliant colleagues.”

Bill Namagoose, who is the executive director of the Cree Nation Government, was appointed for his, “advancement of Indigenous rights across the country.”

Namagoose thanked the Waskaganish First Nation and the Cree Nation in Northern Québec on Twitter for “their trust and confidence” in him.

The appointees will be given their Order of Canada insignia from the Governor General during an investiture ceremony. Details of the ceremony have not be revealed yet.

Here’s reaction to some of the other Order of Canada appointees: