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.
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)
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.
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
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Edmonton Oilers set to make lineup changes for Game 4 of Western Conference final
The Edmonton Oilers are shaking things up. Down 2-1 in the NHL's Western Conference final to the Dallas Stars, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed there would be lineup changes for tonight's Game 4.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.