Shania gets highest honour
2005-11-17 11:00
Ottawa - Singer Shania Twain will become an officer of the Order of Canada during a ceremony in Ottawa on Friday, receiving the country's highest honour for outstanding achievement and service.
The Canadian superstar's "rags-to-riches story" has become legendary, said governor general Michaelle Jean announcing the award.
"From small-town Ontario to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, her journey has inspired countless other emerging musicians," Jean said.
"Although impoverished materially as a child, she was instilled with a strong sense of pride by her family. Even then, music played an important role in her day-to-day life," the governor general said. "Today, she enjoys enormous success, yet she remains true to her roots."
Twain will be one of 43 people - including former politicians, architects, businessmen, scientists and speedskater Catriona Le May Doan - to be presented the honour by the governor general.
The award also recognises Twain's support for a number of food distribution agencies and school breakfast programmes that aim to eliminate child hunger.