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Guy Gavriel Kay, Chris Hadfield given Order of Canada honours

Guy Gavriel Kay. Photo: Beth Gwinn

Guy Gavriel Kay (Photo: Beth Gwinn)

Lauded author Guy Gavriel Kay was one of several members of the Canadian literary community appointed to the Order of Canada on Monday. Recognized “for his contributions to the field of speculative fiction as an internationally celebrated author,” Kay was named a Member of the Order.

Joining Kay as Members are small-press lobbyist and former Talonbooks publisher Karl Siegler; author and B.C. Bookworld publisher Alan Twigg; celebrity chef and cookbook author Ricardo Larrivée; Carol Martin, a founding member of the Association of Canadian Publishers; and Montreal poet Denise Desautels. Jim Munro of Victoria’s Munro’s Books was recognized “for his vital championship of countless Canadian writers and for his sustained community engagement as an independent bookseller.”

David Cronenberg, whose fiction debut is due from Hamish Hamilton in September, was promoted from Officer to the highest order of Companion, bestowed in recognition of “national pre-eminence or international service or achievement.”

Colonel Chris Hadfield, author of An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth and a forthcoming photography book titled You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes, was made an Officer, alongside comedian and A Nation Worth Ranting About author Rick Mercer.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II and is administered by the Governor General. The awards, open to all Canadians, recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation across all sectors of society.