North Bay woman invested into Order of Canada

Nipissing Serenity Hospice hosted a ceremony on Friday to honour a local woman who helped create the facility.

Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont invests North Bay's Mathilde Bazinet into the Order of Canada on May 3, 2024. (X/Edith Dumont/Photo taken by Olivia Parker)

Mathilde Gravelle Bazinet was officially invested as a Member into the Order of Canada – one of the country’s highest honours.

The order recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to Canada.

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The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, invested Bazinet on behalf of the Governor General of Canada Mary Simon.

Gravelle-Bazinet called the honour a privilege. 

“It really is a very moving day for me,” she said.

“It is so significant that we were able to receive this here at Nipissing Serenity Hospice because this has been the most important volunteer project I ever undertook.”

Mathilde Gravelle Bazinet was officially invested as a Member into the Order of Canada on May 3, 2024 by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. (X/Edith Dumont/Photo taken by Olivia Parker)

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Bazinet continues to contribute to hospice events and serves as director emeritus on the hospice’s board of directors, providing guidance to ensure the hospice continues its tradition compassionate care for palliative residents and their families.

Dumont said it was an honour to invest Bazinet into the Order of Canada.

“She thinks that we shouldn't be alone at the end of our life,” she said.

“It was a very touching moment for all of us.”

Dumont said the community is fortunate to have people like her being engaged for the elders and making sure that nobody is left behind.

The ceremony was emceed by Senator Lucie Moncion, who saluted Bazinet decades of service and contributions to health care, justice and education.

Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont invests North Bay's Mathilde Bazinet into the Order of Canada at Nipissing Serenity Hospice at a ceremony emceed by Senator Lucie Moncion on May 3, 2024. (X/Edith Dumont/Photo taken by Olivia Parker)

In June 2023, Bazinet was one of 60 Members appointed to the Order of Canada by Simon.

Since its creation in 1967, the Order of Canada has honoured more than 7,800 people who through service have shaped Canadian society and through their compassion have united communities.

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Bazinet has received other honours during her long career, including the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal in 2017 and the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers award in 2022. 

The Nipissing Serenity Hospice also named their Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award after her in 2021 in recognition of her ongoing support.

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner