By Neil Armstrong

Jamaican Canadian Hamlin Grange, a former journalist and diversity consultant, was among 63 appointees invested into the Order of Canada by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, on December 12, 2024, at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor-general in Ottawa.

In the announcement of Grange’s appointment to this prestigious award as a Member in December 2022, the Order of Canada citation described him as a passionate change agent for social justice.

“Devoted to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, he founded the diversity consultancy DiversiPro and co-founded the non-profit organization Innoversity. A former journalist and beloved mentor, he is praised for his efforts to increase the representation and participation of racialized groups in society and media,” it noted.

As a volunteer with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, the Toronto Police Services Board, and the Responsible Gambling Council, he continues to strive towards a more inclusive Canada, it further said.

Grange said although it has been nearly two years since he was appointed to the Order of Canada, “receiving the insignia in person from the Governor General at Rideau Hall, a place steeped with so much history, was a very special occasion.”

“Receiving this recognition along with other outstanding individuals – some of whom have saved lives because of their work and passion – was humbling, affirming, and inspiring.  It also made me hopeful at a time when so much of the social and political discourse in Canada and elsewhere in the world is making too many people feeling hopeless.

“What I also saw in that ceremony was a recognition of Canada’s indigenous people and the importance of creating a country – and a world – that is more equitable and inclusive for everyone,” said Grange who is the brother of Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

The Order of Canada celebrates people who have enriched the country through their extraordinary and varied contributions. Appointments are made for sustained achievement at three levels: Companion, Officer and Member. Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievements, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada.

Grange joins a list of several Jamaicans or individuals of Jamaican heritage who have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to Canada by being appointed to the Order of Canada.

They include the late politicians Lincoln Alexander, Rosemary Brown and Beverley Salmon; the late union and civil rights advocates Bromley Armstrong and Stanley Grizzle; the late community leader Harry Gairey; the late philanthropist and business leader G. Raymond Chang; public health advocate Lillie Johnson who celebrated her 102^nd birthday in March; community leader Pamela Appelt who was appointed an Officer in June, 2024; and Professor Carlton Gyles, who has made profound contributions to veterinary microbiology, was appointed in December 2024.

The Order of Canada recognizes people in all sectors of society. Individuals can nominate any living Canadian for admission into the Order. However, elected officials and judges are not eligible to be appointed while in office.

It is awarded to individuals only, not to groups or couples. Nominators must submit a separate nomination for each member of a group they wish to nominate and in the reasons for nomination explain in what way the contributions of their candidates are related.

Living non-Canadians are also eligible if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada.

An existing member of the Order can be promoted to a higher level within the Order; however, promotions are only considered five years after the initial appointment.

A candidate who has been previously considered but not appointed to the Order of Canada can be nominated again but usually five years after the last submission was made. There are no posthumous appointments. 

The Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, administers the program and receives all nominations. Each one is carefully researched and then reviewed by an advisory council, which makes recommendations to the Governor General. The selection process, which may take up to two years, is non-partisan and merit-based, notes the Order of Canada’s website.

There is no deadline for submissions. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.