Steve Murphy, Heather Rankin appointed to the Order of Canada

Some well-known Maritimers have been appointed to the Order of Canada – including a familiar face to CTV Atlantic viewers.

The Order of Canada celebrates citizens who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to their communities. More than 8,000 Canadians have been appointed to the country’s highest order since it was created in 1967.

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“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future,” said Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in a news release.

“Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries.”

This year there are 88 new appointees, including the following four Maritimers.

Steve Murphy, former anchor of CTV News at Six, is pictured at the annual Christmas Daddies Telethon in Halifax in December 2023.

Steve Murphy

Halifax’s Steve Murphy has been a fixture on radios and televisions across the Maritimes for more than four decades.

Murphy started his career in 1977 at CFBC Radio in Saint John, N.B., and went on to host the popular news magazine program, “Live at 5,” now known as “CTV News at Five,” before becoming the chief news anchor and executive news director at CTV Atlantic.

He stepped down from that role in December 2021, after 29 years, but continues to serve as a special correspondent, commentator and analyst for CTV Atlantic.

Murphy is also known for his philanthropic work, especially with the annual Christmas Daddies and IWK telethons, and has written multiple books.

Heather Rankin performs at the 2016 East Coast Music Awards Gala in Sydney, N.S. on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan)

Heather Rankin

Beloved Cape Breton musician Heather Rankin is also among the new appointees.

Rankin is a singer-songwriter and member of the award-winning band The Rankin Family, which she formed with her siblings in 1989.

The Rankins produced a number of hits that have become staples at East Coast dances and kitchen parties, including “Mull River Shuffle” and “You Feel the Same Way Too.”

Today, Rankin boasts a successful solo career and remains a fixture on Atlantic Canadian stages.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon applauds founder and co-chair Diane Pitre and co-chair Todd Ross of Rainbow Veterans of Canada following the unveiling of a heraldic badge, Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Diane Marie Pitre

Diane Marie Pitre of Campbellton, N.B., is being honoured for her work as an advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Pitre was kicked out of the military in 1980 as part of what has become known as The LGBT Purge. She fought for reparations for those wronged by The Purge for decades and continues to fight on behalf of survivors and for LGBTQ+ rights in the military.

Now, more than 40 years after being told she was a threat to Canada because of her sexuality, she is being given one of the country’s top honours.

It's an honour Pitre said she's still trying to wrap her head around.

"I'm still in shock, and it's surreal for me. I never expected it," Pitre told The Canadian Press from her home.

Pitre, the founder and co-chair of Rainbow Veterans of Canada, said she will continue her work even though progress has been made.

"I've been doing this for so long, and I'm going to continue doing it because you don't want things to change (back). You never know when those things can happen again," she said.

Bernard Paul Richard

Bernard Richard of Cap-Pele, N.B., is a former social worker and politician.

He was New Brunswick’s first child and youth advocate and the province’s sixth ombudsman.

Richard served as a New Brunswick MLA from 1991 to 2003, during which time he occupied several cabinet positions.

He is also known for his advocacy work in protecting the rights of children and youth in First Nations communities.

The new members will be invested into the Order of Canada during a special ceremony at a later date.

With files from The Canadian Press