CHARLES AZNAVOUR INVESTED AS AN HONORARY OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Market Wire
July 4, 2008

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Enhanced Coverage
LinkingMichaelle Jean, -Search using: Biographies Plus News News,
Most Recent 60 Days 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.