North Bay's Jay Aspin is one of 25 people named appointee to the Order of Ontario for 2023.
The announcement was made by Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario today.
Aspin is a former MP, Near North School Board trustee, and North Bay city councillor. In 2019 he was named as a director on the province's new Ontario Health board.
See: Aspin appointed to powerful new health board
“I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition," Aspin told BayToday. "Community service has been a labour of love for me for the past four and a half decades. In pursuit of this passion, I have so many people to thank. A special note of appreciation to my wife, Joanne and children David and Katie who have made so many sacrifices during my pursuit. As well, my parents, who instilled in me at an early age the nobility of giving back to the community. Specifically in education and health from my mother, and municipal service and sports involvement from my father. I extend my very grateful appreciation to all individuals who helped me over the years.”
Aspin says he was "flabbergasted" to receive this recognition. "Sure makes for a great start for 2024!"
The Order of Ontario - the province's highest honour - recognizes outstanding people who have made exceptional contributions to help build a stronger province, nation and world. Members of the Order come from all walks of life and represent various sectors of society including public service, business, journalism and health care, says a news release. And 874 people have been appointed to the Order of Ontario since it was established in 1986.
“As Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, it is my privilege to congratulate the Order’s appointees for 2023. These Ontarians have demonstrated the highest levels of merit, excellence and dedication in their respective disciplines, and they have made significant impacts here at home and around the world," said Dumont. “Our province gratefully acknowledges their remarkable contributions, which inspire us all to be leaders and change-makers.”
The 2023 appointees to the Order of Ontario are:
- Jay Aspin
- John M. Beck
- Jo-Anne Clarke
- Hon. David Collenette
- Claire Crooks
- Julie Di Lorenzo
- John English
- Lee Errett
- Gervan Fearon
- Patrick Foran
- Blake C. Goldring
- Herbert Ho Ping Kong
- Blake Hutcheson
- Michael Latner
- Bernard Leduc
- Joy MacDermid
- Dwayne Morgan
- Florence Ngenzebuhoro
- Hazelle Palmer
- Fred Possmayer
- Peter Simon
- Gary Slaight
- George Trusler
- Raquel Urtasun
- Bhavana Varma
“I am proud of the incredible breadth and depth of talent we have here in Ontario. Each one of these exceptional Ontarians are leaders and trailblazers who exemplify the best of our province,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Their achievements, dedication and leadership have contributed to building a stronger Ontario and a better world for all."
People from all walks of life across Ontario are welcome to nominate a deserving individual for the 2024 Order of Ontario. The nomination deadline for this year is March 31, 2024. Learn more about how to nominate someone here.
Appointments to the Order are made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council based on the merit of accomplishments of nominees put forward by members of the public.
