Several prominent B.C. business leaders are among the 12 individuals named to the Order of British Columbia this year.
Don Mattrick, Gary Segal, John Anderson and Karimah Es Sabar will receive the province's highest honour in September for the success they've achieved in their respective fields, and for their exceptional contributions to B.C.
“You’ve made it your life’s work – through your leadership, art and generosity – to make life better for British Columbians,” said Premier David Eby in a news release. “You represent the best of the best in our province and serve as an example to us all. Thanks for all that you’ve done and all that you will go on to do.”
Mattrick will be recognized for his work at the forefront of B.C’s tech landscape. Now CEO of Prometheus Ventures, Mattrick contributed significantly to the growth and evolution of B.C.'s digital arts and gaming industry.
Anderson, chair and CEO of Oppy—a leading grower and distributor of fresh produce—also founded Anderson Air, a corporate and private charter company. He will be appointed for his sustainable global farming practices and his community projects.
Quark Venture LP CEO and general partner Es Sabar will be honoured for being a prominent driving force behind the province’s biotech and life sciences sector.
Kingswood Capital Corp. principal and executive Segal will be appointed for his community service and philanthropic contributions to health care, including helping to raise $32 million to build the 73-room Ronald McDonald House at B.C. Children’s Hospital.
The other eight appointees include:
- Brenda Crabtree (Xyolholemo:t), for being an example to Indigenous artists and developing art programs;
- qiyəplenəxʷ Howard Grant, for being an advocate for Indigenous rights with over 26 years of dedication;
- Lily Lee, for her contributions in education, health care and housing;
- William P.J. McCarthy, for his philanthropy and support of health care;
- Colin James Munn, for his dedication to the community and transforming Canadian music;
- Imant Raminsh, C.M., for his cultural contributions to B.C. as a composer and mentor;
- Elana Rosenfeld, for her leadership of Canada’s largest organic coffee company, and her sustainability and conservation efforts;
- Catherine Ulrich, for her innovation in northern health care.
The Order of British Columbia was created in 1989 and this year celebrates its 35th anniversary. Including this year's appointees—who will be recognized in Victoria on Sept. 4—B.C. has recognized 515 individuals through the program.
