Miriam Toews, author of nine novels and a memoir this fall, was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in a recent announcement by Governor General Mary Simon. The Order of Canada recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the country, Quill & Quire noted.
Toews was recognized as "a pre-eminent writer whose novels explore human tragedy and comedy in one fell swoop. Her unique ability to portray very human stories of overcoming adversity and finding meaning is a gift to her readers, and a source of inspiration to her adoring students and fans."
Among those named a Member of the Order of Canada were children's book authors and illustrators Élise Gravel, who "has published some 50 picture books internationally that have been translated into over a dozen languages," and Marianne Dubuc, who "has published internationally and seen her works translated into over 30 languages."
Also honored as a Member was former Parliamentary Poet Laureate Louise Bernice Halfe, also known by her Cree name, Sky Dancer, who "advocates language learning and preservation, and her thought-provoking work articulates, in both Cree and English, the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples."
Among the other members of the order named were social documentary photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo, whose work has been collected in several books; cartoonist Michel Rabagliati, best known for his books based on the character Paul; Lorraine Greaves, director general of the B.C. Centre of Excellence for Women's Health and author of books on women's health; and museologist and editor Robert R. Janes, author of books on museology.