Governor General Honours Five Canadians During Canada Day Ceremony in Ottawa

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published July 1, 2026

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Governor General Louise Arbour honoured five Canadians on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, during the national Canada Day noon ceremony at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, in a special Order of Canada investiture held as part of the country’s official celebrations. According to the Office of the Governor General, Arbour delivered remarks and presided over the ceremony during her first Canada Day national noon ceremony as Governor General.

The ceremony recognized Canadians whose work has left a lasting mark on arts and culture, Indigenous rights, northern media, language preservation, storytelling, and community service. The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours and recognizes people who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to Canada.

Simon Brault, from Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Quebec, was promoted within the Order to Companion, one of its highest ranks. The Governor General’s office described him as a major figure in Canada’s arts and culture sector, noting his role in redefining the work of the Canada Council for the Arts by focusing on accessibility, democratization, and stronger support for artists from diverse backgrounds and Indigenous communities.

Michelle Frances Good, from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada. A member of Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Good was recognized for her work as an activist, lawyer, and storyteller, and for her advocacy around truth, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous communities affected by the legacy of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop.

Rassi Nashalik, from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, was also invested as a Member. Her recognition focused on her role as a trusted voice for Canada’s North, including her work as the inaugural host of CBC’s Igalaaq, the first daily television newscast in Inuktitut, and her continued advocacy for Inuit language and culture.

Michel Rabagliati, from Montreal, was honoured for his contribution to Canadian comic book culture. Through his best-known character, Paul, Rabagliati helped bring Canadian comics to wider international attention while presenting everyday life and local stories in a form accessible to broad audiences.

Chloé Sainte-Marie, also from Montreal, was recognized for her long career across film, music, and community advocacy. The Governor General’s office highlighted her work as founder of Maisons Gilles-Carle and her efforts to bring public and government attention to the challenges faced by caregivers in Canada.

The investiture took place within the National Noon Ceremony, organized by Canadian Heritage as the official opening of Canada Day celebrations in the capital. The department said the program included musical performances, dance numbers, personal stories, special guests, the national anthem, a Snowbirds flyover, and the Order of Canada ceremony highlighting the contributions of Canadians.