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By Benjamin Shingler — Canadaeast News Service

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A number of New Brunswickers received the Order of Canada in a ceremony in Quebec City on Friday.

Sister Margaret Vickers has been a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception. From 1972 to 1994, she was the administrator of St. Joseph's Hospital in Saint John. Originally from the Miramichi, she has served on the board of directors of Providence Health Care and Society in Vancouver since 1997.

Thea Borlase was named to the order for her work helping to develop artists from New Brunswick's French and English communities. She worked as a volunteer with the Capitol Theatre for 13 years.

The Order of Canada is the country's highest civilian honour, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding achievement and dedication to the community. Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean presented the medals to a total of 20 Canadians at a ceremony at the Citadelle in Quebec City.

The ceremony was overshadowed by abortion rights activist Henry Morgentaler, whose naming to the Order of Canada has sparked protests from across the country.

Some members have returned their orders in protest, and abortion opponents say the award devalues the honour.

Antoine Landry was recognized for his work the developing Acadian communities, and the Village Historique Acadien. He's also the mayor of Caraquet and has been at the forefront of ensuring Acadian culture continues to thrive.

Using songs and poetry, performer Donat Lacroix also helped preserve and promote the Acadian culture in the province. He was named a companion to the order.

Also receiving the order was Jack Irving. The youngest son of K.C. Irving, the man widely known as ‘Jack' got his start in business at an early age selling magazines door to door and running a small chicken farm. He joined his father and brothers in the growing group of Irving companies in 1952.

Jack would go on to become executive vice-president of Irving Oil and a director of the many Irving companies.

Others who received the award Friday included Louise Arbour, former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; and prominent Montreal fashion designer Simon Chang.