Market Wire (press release)

Governor General of Canada

Jul 04, 2008 09:21 ET

Charles Aznavour Invested as an Honorary Officer of the Order of
Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – July 4, 2008) – Her Excellency the
Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will
present the insignia of Officer of the Order of Canada to Charles
Aznavour, a French Citizen who, as a singer, composer and actor, has
helped establish important cultural ties between French-speaking
communities in Canada and other countries. This special investiture
will occur at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday July 5, 2008, at the Residence
of the Governor General of Canada at the Citadelle of Quebec.

Charles Aznavour, O.C.

Geneva, Switzerland

Officer of the Order of Canada

Singer, songwriter and actor, Charles Aznavour is one of France’s most
popular musical icons. For the past 60 years, he has been singing
about our love stories and everyday lives in many languages. Versatile
and passionate, this enduring legend has charmed audiences around the
world; but first and foremost, he remains an ambassador of the French
language. Since first coming to Montreal, he has remained deeply
attached to Canada, where he has drawn admirers from coast to coast to
coast. Dedicated to humanitarian causes, he shares his artistic
talents in support of charitable organizations in Armenia, where he
was appointed UNESCO’s Permanent Ambassador.

ANNEX B – ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding
achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is
our country’s highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement. Three
different levels of membership-Companion, Officer and Member-honour
people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope.

Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council
on the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief
justice of Canada.

The governor general is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the
Order. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect
the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are
appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed
term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of
the country.

Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals
as candidates for appointment.

Any Canadian may be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only
exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who may
not be appointed while holding office.

People who are not Canadian may be considered for honorary
appointments.

Media interested in covering this event are asked to contact Rideau
Hall Press Office.