Congratulations to Hon. D. Ross Fitzpatrick (BCom'58), who was invested as an Officer (O.C.) into the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, at a Ceremony held December 14, 2022, at Rideau Hall.

 

The Governor General noted “Ross Fitzpatrick has left an indelible mark on the Okanagan Valley. Founder of his family’s estate winery, he pioneered the movement of sustainable green development and championed innovative operating practices in the industry. He is also an esteemed senator and a powerful advocate for Indigenous economic independence in the region, noted for his commanding negotiations of the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement. Additionally, his deep commitment to conservation secured the protective rights of sacred Indigenous land, including Spotted Lake and in the South Okanagan-Similkameen area.”