Niagara entrepreneurs, Burlington kickboxer latest in Order of Canada appointees

The Order of Canada is one of the highest honours in the country and it recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation.

On Wednesday, 80 new appointments were made, several of which hail from the Greater Hamilton and Niagara region.

Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon unveiled the year-end appointees to the Order of Canada.

On that list are 80 names, some you might recognize, others you may even personally know.

They come from a variety of backgrounds, but all share one thing in common: “Desiderantes meliorem patriam” or in English, “they desire a better country.”

Donald Lawrence Triggs lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is a legend in the wine industry.

“It was very humbling and such a great honour, I can’t describe it,” said Triggs.

Known for the iconic “Jackson-Triggs” brand, he helped build Canada’s biggest wine company.

“Canadian wine is now the mainstay of enjoying wine across Canada, and I’m so delighted to see that progress develop,” said Triggs.

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Mandy Rennehan, also known as “The Blue Collar CEO”, was born in Yarmouth, N.S., and also now calls Niagara-on-the-Lake home.

“Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, you just do what you do every day, you don’t think about being recognized for doing the right thing,” said Rennehan.

She’s best known for her work as an advocate for women in the trades, her television appearances and building a multimillion dollar contracting company.

“I’ve always followed that common sense that I grew up with so this was easy for me to bring more women into the skilled trade industry,” said Rennehan. “And now we’re watching it flourish and the needle is moving.”

Mary Ann Edwards from St. Catharines founded Niagara’s annual Rankin Cancer Run.

“I honestly would not be receiving this award, if it wasn’t for a tiny volunteer committee, an incredible lead sponsor who believed in me, and every donor, participant and supporter that has believed in our run philosophy from the get-go,” said Edwards.

The iconic race has helped transform cancer care in the region.

“I started the Rankin Cancer Run, because I really wanted to stop seeing people with cancer driving out of town when they were so incredibly ill,” said Edwards.

Also on the list are some legends like Andre De Grasse, an Olympic gold winning athlete, and Muzammal Nawaz a leader in kickboxing in Canada, who established the first-ever national federation in the country.

Some appointees told CHCH News what they planned to do to celebrate the new year.

“A glass of wine — Canadian wine,” said Triggs.

“Bringing optimism and trying to bring inspiration to people that need it,” said Rennehan.

“Ours is going to be safe, quiet, and grateful,” said Edwards.

READ MORE: Hamilton shines in latest installment of Order of Canada appointees