In October, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Gov­ernor General of Canada, made Dr Donald Rix a member of the Order of Canada.

Dr Rix is a well-known leader in the British Columbia biotechnology, medical, and business communities. Former chairman of the province’s largest independent community medical laboratory, he helped raise the profile of the biotechnology industry through his involvement with the BC Innovation Council. A distinguished philanthropist, he is a steadfast and generous supporter both of research and of the arts, establishing significant endowments and bursaries at several academic institutions. He has also been actively involved with the BCMA, the Vancouver Opera, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Festival Vancouver.

The Order of Canada, our country’s highest civilian honor, recognizes Dr Rex’s lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community, and service to the nation.