135 new recipients of the Order of Canada, including Ontario farmer Kenneth Knox.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com
Kenneth W. Knox, a farmer from Hampton, Ontario, has been awarded the highest honour in Canada.
Knox was named as a recipient of the Order of Canada “for fostering a culture of innovation that influenced the Ontario Public Service over the past few decades, notably in the agricultural sector."
Knox was named a member of the Order of Canada on December 29, 2021.
The 75-year-old Knox owns a 500-acre cash crop and pumpkin farm, grew up on a dairy farm. After a long career working within the provincial ag industry as an assistant deputy minister and deputy minister, he was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2011.
Of his initiatives, Knox is recognized for his “recognition of the value of extension and education programs for rural youth,” and how he “facilitated the development of an independently funded 4-H organization.”
Other ag-related honourees include:
- John Robinson and Hazel Robinson of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for their leadership in the province’s agriculture industry, and for their contributions to documenting local history in the community;
- Barry Smit of Guelph, Ontario for his contributions to our understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation, and for his mentorship of the next generation of climate change scientists;
- Gilles Vincent of Longueuil, Quebec for his leadership in the botanical garden community and for advancing phytotechnologies at home and abroad;
For a full list of the 135 recent honourees, visit: https://www.gg.ca/en/activities/2021/governor-general-announces-135-new-appointments-order-canada.
The Order of Canada is our country’s highest civilian honour. Since its inception in 1967, 7,000 Canadians have been honoured. Honorees are nominated by fellow citizens and selected by an advisory board.