BlackBerry

Order of Canada honours BlackBerry co-founder

Budgie
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, announced today 100 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include 2 Companions (C.C.), 11 Officers (O.C.) and 87 Members (C.M.). These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.

This year’s notable names include Douglas Fregin, the man who co-founded Research in Motion with Mike Lazaridis. Fregin was instrumental in designing the first circuit boards that were used in early versions of the company’s wireless technology. He was also key in selecting the materials that are now standard in the BlackBerry.

BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder, Prem Watsa, was made a member “for his achievements as a business leader, and for his work as a volunteer and philanthropist.

Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

The Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

You can see the fill list of Order of Canada Appointments here.