Fourteen British Columbians have been awarded the Order of British Columbia for 2011.
“The Order of British Columbia recognizes the excellence and achievements of our citizens. It is the highest honour we can bestow on individuals in ourprovince,” Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point said.
This year’s recipients is composed of a diverse group:

• Luigi Aquilini of Vancouver - builder, entrepreneur, philanthropist
• Peter Norman Baird of Vancouver - bridge-builder between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal British Columbians
• Gordon M. Campbell of Vancouver - recent Premier of BC
• Ken Dobell of Vancouver - dedicated public servant
• Crystal Dunahee of Victoria - community leader and advocate for child safety
• David Emerson - MP from Vancouver, business leader
• Yuri Fulmer of West Vancouver - dynamic entrepreneur and dedicated volunteer
• Tim Jones of North Vancouver - dedicated search and rescue leader
• Dr. Phil Muir of Hazelton - long-time northern doctor and innovator
• J.C. O’Rourke (P.Eng.) of West Vancouver - builder of BCs mining communities
• Karen O’Shannacery of Vancouver - tireless advocate for homeless people
• Jim Robson of Vancouver - the voice of Canuck’s hockey
• Baljit Sethi of Prince George - advocate for immigrants and for equality
• Ellen White of Nanaimo - native educator and activist
Since the Order was first introduced in 1989, 301 people have received the honour.
The Order of B.C. is online at: www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca

Sethi a tireless fighter for equality

2011 Order of BC winner Mrs. Baljit Sethi has dedicated her life to helping immigrants to Canada and pursuing equality and justice for all Canadians.
Born in Lahore, India, Sethi immigrated to Canada in 1972.
In 1974, she began working with the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia as a family counsellor and then as a settlement counsellor, assisting newcomers to Canada with settlement services.
In 1976 she founded the Immigrants Services Society of Prince George, now known as the Immigrant & Multicultural Services Society (IMSS).
Through her work with IMSS she soon realized that newcomers’ integration in the community could not be achieved without multicultural programs and promotion of racial harmony. She encouraged interaction of immigrants with the host community and was instrumental in promoting multiculturalism in Prince George, thereby benefitting the entire northern British Columbia region. Scores of multicultural and anti-racism projects designed by Baljit Sethi and delivered under her guidance are still being delivered today.