Chef Jamie Kennedy in Toronto, shown in Toronto in 2009, joined the rolls of the Order of Canada on Dec. 30, 2010.
A celebrity chef, two athletes, a revered television actor and a prominent radio broadcaster were granted one of Canada's highest civilian honours on Thursday when they were named to the Order of Canada.
Governor-General David Johnston announced 54 new honourees of the order, his first such appointments since assuming Canada's vice-regal office in October.
Those include Toronto-based chef Jamie Kennedy, a prominent leader in the city's culinary scene who has opened multiple successful restaurants. Mr. Kennedy was named a member of the order - the lowest rank - for his promotion of local, organically grown food.
Two professional athletes, former NHL player Trevor Linden and tennis champion Daniel Nestor, join Mr. Kennedy as new members of the order. Mr. Linden, a long-time member of the Vancouver Canucks, was praised for his "ongoing sportsmanship and community engagement," while Mr. Nestor was honoured for contributions to his sport and his charitable activities.
Philanthropy and community involvement earned member citations for two high-profile businessmen, former Encana Corp. president Gwyn Morgan and former Bank of Montreal chief executive Tony Comper, who was recognized alongside his wife Elizabeth.
Veteran TV and stage actor Eric Peterson - best known as the curmudgeonly Oscar Leroy on CTV's Corner Gas - was recognized for his contributions to the performing arts.
Long-time CBC broadcaster Shelagh Rogers was named an officer of the order, the mid-tier rank, for her work promoting Canadian culture as well as her volunteer work in the areas of mental health and literacy.
No one was invested as a Companion of the order, the highest honour.
Since its creation in 1967, more than 5,000 people have been named to the Order of Canada, which recognizes long-term achievement, community contributions or service to the country.
Other newly appointed officers of the Order of Canada include:
Nicole Brossard, Montreal
For her contributions to literature as a poet, novelist, essayist and publisher.
Sylvia R. Cruess, Montreal
For her pioneering contributions to medical education.
James A. Dosman, Saskatoon
For his contributions to the advancement of agricultural health and safety in Canada.
René Dussault, Quebec City
For his contributions to the advancement of law and the promotion of equality, as a jurist, professor and senior public servant.
Angela Enright, Victoria
For her contributions to the field of anesthesiology in Canada and the developing world.
Clément Gosselin, Quebec City
For his contributions to the fields of robotics and mechatronics, notably for his work on parallel mechanisms and articulated robotic hands.
Linda Hutcheon, Toronto
For her contributions to the fields of literary criticism and theory.
Anthony Edward Thomas Lang, Toronto
For his contributions to the field of movement disorders, notably for advancing the therapeutics of Parkinson's disease.
Maurice McGregor, Montreal
For having pioneered and championed the field of health technology assessment in Canada, and for his leadership in medical education and cardiology.
Shelagh Rogers, Vancouver
For her contributions as a promoter of Canadian culture, and for her volunteer work in the fields of mental health and literacy.
Mary Vingoe, Dartmouth, N.S.
For her contributions to the theatre community in Canada as a director and actor.
Harry Walsh, Winnipeg
For his dedication to criminal law in Canada for more than 70 years, and for his advocacy against the use of capital punishment.
A complete list of Thursday's appointees, including members of the Order of Canada, is available on the Governor-General's website.