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Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, right, meets with Gen. Rick Hillier in Ottawa, Jan. 14, 2005.REUTERS/Jim Young

Forever linked by their joint role in leading Canada to war in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, former Prime Minister Paul Martin and retired General Rick Hillier are among 66 new appointments to the Order of Canada announced Friday by Governor General David Johnston.

Mr. Martin, Liberal Prime Minister from 2003 to 2006 and highly regarded for his work as finance minister under Jean Chrétien, was named to the Order's highest rank, Companion, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Canada.

Mr. Hillier, a popular, hard-driving commander who led Canada's armed forces into its most significant war since Korea, was one of 28 named an Officer of the Order, the second highest rank. His citation referred to the way his service has inspired pride in the Canadian Forces. He is joined by Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard, the Canadian air force strategist who led the NATO campaign in Libya in 2011 and another former Chief of Defence Staff in retired General Maurice Baril.

Scotty Bowman, the coach of a record nine Stanley Cup winning hockey teams, including five with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970s, was named for his contribution to hockey as coach and mentor. Robert Fowler, a former diplomat who survived a kidnapping in Niger, and Kevin Lynch, former Clerk of the Privy Council, were named for their contributions to public service.

James Bartleman, the first aboriginal lieutenant governor of Ontario, was recognized for his dedication to improving aboriginal literacy and combatting the stigma associated with mental illness.

Stuart McLean, the broadcaster whose folksy style has illuminated the Vinyl Cafe series on CBC radio, was named an Officer of the Order for his contribution to Canadian culture as a storyteller. He is joined by Brian Williams, known for his coverage of the Olympics on both CBC and CTV.

Appointments to the Order of Canada, one of Canada's highest civilian honours, are recommended to the Governor General by an advisory council chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada, Beverley McLachlin. Members of the advisory council include the Clerk of the Privy Council, the Deputy Minister of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Chair of the Canada Council, president of the Royal Society of Canada, the chair of the Board of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and up to five members of the Order of Canada, appointed by the Governor General to a three-year term. The council considers 400 to 600 nominations per year and typically recommends about 150 new appointments.

Albert Bensadoun, founder and CEO of ALDO shoe company, was named for his contribution to business as well as for his philanthropic work. Similarly, Jeffrey Skoll, the Canadian engineer who was founding president of EBay and ranks among the wealthiest Canadians, was also recognized for his innovative philanthropy, particularly in support of education and social entrepreneurship.

Peter MacKinnon, president of the University of Saskatchewan, was honoured for his contribution to education. Famed architect Bruce Kuwabara also received a nod, as did Quebec journalist Alain Dubuc and author Tim Wynne-Jones.

Other recipients include David Northcott, co-founder of the Winnipeg Harvest food bank, Margaret Bloodworth, a former national security adviser and contemporary artist Charles Pachter.

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