Two Surrey men are among 78 new appointees to the Order of Canada announced by Governor General Mary Simon on December 28.
Grandmaster Chang Keun (C.K.) Choi, O.C., has been named an officer “for his dedication to the development and promotion of taekwondo in Canada and around the world” and Antonio Ariganello, C.M., a member “for advancing national practices and standards in the accounting and human resources professions as a leading financial executive.”
“I consider this a huge honour and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who nominated and supported me,” Choi posted on his facebook page. “I would like to thank my wife and family who have stood stoically by me.”
Of the 78 appointees, there are three Companions, 15 Officers, one Honorary Officer and 59 Members. Three appointments are promotions within the Order. Its motto is “Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam,” which translates to “They desire a better country.”
Simon in a press release stated she “greatly” values the opportunity to “celebrate individuals whose perseverance, ingenuity and community spirit have benefited Canadians throughout the country. As governor general, I have seen first-hand that our communities are rich in both excellence and diversity, which we need to do our utmost to recognize. I encourage each of us to become catalysts for the change we want to see in the Canadian Honours System by nominating individuals whose exceptional accomplishments may have gone unrecognized through the years.”
The Order of Canada was created in 1967. Its appointees are selected on recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. They will be invited to an investiture ceremony, the date of which has yet to be announced.