“It is a pleasure to welcome these inspiring leaders to the Alberta Order of Excellence, and to celebrate them for their heartfelt commitment to fostering understanding, well-being and opportunity for countless people, here at home and around the world.” 

Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani

This year’s inductees bring the total membership of the Alberta Order of Excellence to 204 over the past 43 years. Established in 1979, the award is the province’s highest honour and is an official part of the Canadian Honours System.

The new Alberta Order of Excellence members are:

  • Maureen Bianchini Purvis of Edmonton founded No Stone Left Alone to ensure youth learn about the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers by placing poppies on veterans’ headstones. This act of remembrance ensures young people will not forget the price of freedom.

  • Robert Brawn of Calgary is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who invests in Alberta and its natural and human resources. His ventures helped shape the energy sector and his foundation enriches our quality of life, from education to health care to parks.

  • Elizabeth Cannon of Calgary is a titan of post-secondary education. She is a brilliant geomatics engineer, a pioneering GPS researcher, an inspiring role model for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and a trailblazing leader in higher education.

  • Eleanor Chiu of Calgary lives by this ideal: Doing Well by Doing Good. Through the Trico Charitable Foundation, she promotes social entrepreneurship so businesses can help solve social issues while creating sustained value for all.

  • Cheryl Foggo of Calgary is a storyteller who uses print, film, television and theatre to shine a light on Alberta’s rich and diverse Black history so Canadians can understand the significant contributions of Black Albertans.

  • Art Froehlich of Calgary built Alberta’s agriculture industry for 40-plus years by guiding innovation in research, technology, business and startups. He generously supports agricultural education and enterprises at home and abroad.

  • Cam Tait of Edmonton is a veteran journalist, author and comedian living with cerebral palsy. Through his engaging writing and humour, he breaks down barriers, inspires his community and advocates for a more inclusive society, proving it is possible to live your best life.