Vancouver’s Morna Edmundson, Stan Douglas, and Ryan Reynolds appointed to the Order of Canada

Other members of the local arts community to be given the honour include Emily Carr University president emeritus Ron Burnett and guitarist-educator Donald Alder

By Gail Johnson

Stan Douglas. Photo by Evaan Khera

Ryan Reynolds.

Morna Edmundson. Photo by Emily Cooper

ELEKTRA ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Morna Edmundson, visual artist Stan Douglas, and movie star Ryan Reynolds have been appointed to the Order of Canada.

Announced on December 18 by Governor-General Mary Simon, the Order has 88 new appointments, including one Companion, 24 Officers, and 63 Members.

The citation from the advisory council for the Order recognized Elektra’s Edmundson as “an inspiring mentor whose innovative programming, commissioning, and community engagement have contributed a lasting legacy for the choral community” that has “helped establish Vancouver’s national and worldwide reputation as a choral mecca”.

Edmundson is receiving the Order of Canada during her final year as the Vancouver choir’s artistic director, after 38 years. She also serves as president of Choral Canada—the National Arts Service Organization for the country’s choral and group-singing arts sector and community—and as artistic director of EnChor Choir, an auditioned SATB ensemble for mature voices. With Elektra, Edmundson has commissioned more than 100 original compositions and arrangements. Passionate about choral singing since childhood, Edmundson obtained degrees and diplomas in vocal music in Vancouver, Bellingham, and Stockholm. In 2023, she was awarded a Doctor of Letters honoris causa from the University of British Columbia.

Douglas is a renowned local artist whose multimedia works explore key historical events and the role of technology in shaping collective memory. A graduate of the then-Emily Carr College of Art and Design who’s closely associated with the Vancouver School, he’s best known for video and installations, as well as large-format back-lit photographs of elaborately re-staged historical scenes. His immense, back-lit Abbott & Cordova, 7 August 1971, a re-enacted depiction of the Gastown riot, has a high-profile spot in the courtyard at SFU Woodward’s. He has represented Canada at many international exhibitions, including the 2022 Venice Biennale; his 2011 ≠ 1848 from that event made its Canadian premiere at The Polygon Gallery the same year. His thought-provoking work has been shown around the globe, including in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and the United States.

Ron Burnett.

Reynolds, who splits his time between Vancouver and New York City, is best known for writing, producing, and starring in the widely successful Deadpool films. He supports many Canadian causes, including Water First Education, Covenant House Vancouver, and SickKids Foundation, and has co-founded initiatives to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Ron Burnett is another appointee. He is the president emeritus of Emily Carr University of Art + Design, a school he led for 22 years, helping transform it from a small art institution to a nationally and internationally respected university. Dedicated to arts education, Burnett speaks and writes in Canada and abroad while working with the Centre for Transdisciplinary Studies and the Learning Development Institute.

Also named a member of the Order of Canada today, Vancouver’s Donald Alder, one of the top acoustic fingerstyle guitarists in the world, was recognized for his deep commitment to raising awareness of and creating access for people with physical challenges. He has volunteered with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Vancouver Adapted Music Society and sits on the board of directors for Empower Through Music.

The founder of the Vancouver International Black Film Festival also received the honour. Based in Montreal, Fabienne Colas launched her self-titled foundation to increase diversity in the arts sector and now helms Black film festivals all across Canada.  

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