Ryan Reynolds to Be Honoured with the Order of British Columbia

Ryan Reynolds to Be Honoured with the Order of British Columbia

Beloved actor and proud Vancouverite Ryan Reynolds is set to receive the esteemed Order of British Columbia alongside 13 fellow distinguished honorees, including Dr. Penny Ballem, Vancouver Coastal Health board chair. This prestigious accolade will celebrate their exceptional contributions and service.

"This honour is a mark of excellence, reflected in the service and achievements of these incredible British Columbians,” Janet Austin, the lieutenant governor of British Columbia, said in a statement.

“Their accomplishments have left an indelible mark on their communities, and ensuing legacies will impact our province to the benefit of future generations."

Over the past 34 years, the B.C. government has actively promoted awareness of the province's highest honour to ensure that exceptional individuals from all walks of life and regions of the province have the opportunity to be recognized. To date, the province has received over 6,600 public nominations for the Order of B.C.

This year, Reynolds shares the distinction with other well-respected names, like children's entertainer Raffi Cavoukian, Sarah McLachlan and Bryan Adams. Other members include environmentalist David Suzuki, producer David Foster, politician David Lam, music talent scout Sam Feldman and conservationist George Reifel.

"While they are not officially part of the Marvel Universe, these 14 remarkable individuals are superheroes. They have contributed in unique and profound ways to our province, our nation and beyond, through leadership, selflessness and generosity," Premier David Eby said in a press release.

This year, 224 nominations were received for the order, bringing the cumulative count to 503 since its inception in 1989. An investiture ceremony for the recipients is scheduled to take place at Government House in Victoria.

No stranger to generosity, Reynolds is often highlighted for his contributions to causes that inspire positive change, particularly close to home. Last summer, he and his wife, Blake Lively, donated to Canadian charity Water First Education & Training Inc. to support locally based, hands-on skills training and education programs. The pair’s $500,000 contribution will provide resources for more young Indigenous adults to become water treatment plant operators and environmental water science technicians and engage Indigenous school-aged students in water science.

“Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right. Canada is home to over 20 per cent of the planet’s freshwater—an abundance that’s envied around the world,” the Deadpool actor said of the donation. “There’s absolutely no reason Indigenous communities should not have access to safe, clean water.”

Reynolds was also recognized by Bring Change to Mind, a charity co-founded by actress Glenn Close to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. In October, Reynolds received the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter Award, which is awarded annually by the late actor's children Zak, Zelda and Cody. Of the award, Reynolds said "I'm incredibly honoured and touched to be here and also just to spend time with Mr. Williams' family... This is incredible."

Others recognized with the Order of British Columbia this year include Dr. Jane Buxton, the medical lead for harm reduction at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, street nurses Evana Brennan and Susan Giles, who have dedicated years to serving Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and Dr. Penny J. Ballem, who spearheaded the province's COVID-19 vaccination response.

Source: Reuters