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Several Dal alumni and former faculty among latest Order of Canada appointments

Brian MacKay-Lyons and John Bragg honoured in latest announcement

- January 6, 2023

Architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, left, and businessman John Bragg were among the recent appointees of the Order of Canada. (Provided photos)
Architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, left, and businessman John Bragg were among the recent appointees of the Order of Canada. (Provided photos)

Seven individuals appointed to the Order of Canada in late December have ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ connections.Ìý

Brian G. MacKay-Lyons (BSC'73, BEDS'77, XBARCH'78), an award-winning architect with a global clientele who taught for years in Dal’s School of Architecture, and Dr. John Bragg (LLD’08), a philanthropist and renowned Canadian business leader, were two of seven individuals with ties to ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ to receive one of Canada's highest honours in the .

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 99 new appointments to the Order, including two Companions, 32 Officers and 65 Members. Three appointments were promotions within the Order.

Her Excellency described this year’s recipients as “celebrated trailblazers in their respective fields, [who are] inspiring, educating and mentoring future generations, creating a foundation of excellence in our country that is respected throughout the world.â€

The Order of Canada celebrates citizens who have made exemplary and longstanding contributions to this country. From volunteers to scientists, businesspeople to artists, since 1967, this award has recognized people whose life and work has made this nation a better place. The Order is considered one of Canada’s highest honours.

Appointees will be invited to an investiture ceremony at a later date to receive their insignia.

John L. Bragg, C.C., O.N.S. (LLD’08)

Philanthropist and renowned business leader

John Bragg is being promoted from Officer to Companion within the Order of Canada, the latter being the Order's highest rank. Bragg, who was given an honorary degree by ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ in 2008, is being honoured for his exceptional contributions to the prosperity and well-being of Atlantic Canadians and for his legendary commitment to the development of rural communities. Bragg serves as chairman, president, and co-chief executive officer of Oxford Frozen Foods Limited, a business he founded in 1968 that operates one of the largest fruit farms in the world. He also founded a cable-television company in the 1970s that grew to become Eastlink — a large telecommunications firm.Ìý

Aside from his many entrepreneurial endeavours, Bragg is a philanthropist who has made significant contributions to ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ. For more than 45 years, Bragg has invested millions of dollars into wild blueberry research at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ. Along with this generous funding, Bragg imparted his business acumen and counsel into Dal’s research program for the wild blueberry industry. Aside from this extensive giving, he has supported a scholarship in memory of his brother Doug Bragg and has given gifts to help support infrastructure and other critical projects.Ìý</