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Ryan Reynolds among ‘superheroes’ named to Order of British Columbia

The Hollywood star isn't the only one being added to the order in 2023. Among the other 13 is Saanich's Gordon Fyfe, the CEO of the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.

Movie star, soccer team owner and philanthropist Ryan Reynolds is among the 14 people joining the Order of British Columbia.

The  actor is being honoured with the province's top form of official recognition, given to exceptional people who've made outstanding and broad impacts sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ and the world at large.

"While they are not officially part of the Marvel Universe, these 14 remarkable individuals are superheroes. They have contributed in unique and profound ways to our province, our nation and beyond, through leadership, selflessness and generosity," Premier David Eby said in a press release.

Reynolds, among other things, is famous for playing the comic book character Deadpool, an antihero from Marvel Comics who will be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe soon (though his previous turns as Deadpool were connected to the X-Men film series). 

He's joining other celebrities on the list like children's entertainer Raffi Cavoukian, Sarah McLachlan and Bryan Adams. Other members include environmentalist David Suzuki, producer David Foster and politician David Lam.

The Order of British Columbia is a civilian honour given to current or former residents of sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Those appointed to the order can use the post-nomials (the letters that come after a name) OBC.

This year, 224 people were nominated. A group of seven, including past winners, choose from the nominees. A ceremony will be held in the late fall to present the medals that come with the appointment.

The Hollywood star isn't the only one being added to the order in 2023. Among the other 13 is Saanich's Gordon Fyfe, the CEO of the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.

for his "extraordinary results" at BCI, where investments have increased from $112 billion to $235 billion, amd his advocacy on environmental, social and governance issues.

Others named to the order include Dr. Jane Buxton, the medical lead for harm reduction at the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Centre for Disease Control, street nurses , who have spent years working on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and Dr. Penny J. Ballem, the chair of Vancouver Coastal Health, who co-ordinated the province's COVID-19 vaccination response.

sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin call the honour "a mark of excellence, reflected in the service and achievements of these incredible British Columbians."

"Their accomplishments have left an indelible mark on their communities, and ensuing legacies will impact our province to the benefit of future generations."

Here is the full list of appointees:

• Dr. Penny Ballem, a career civil servant who led the COVID-19 vaccination response 

• Downtown Eastside street nurses Evanna Brennan and Susan Giles

• Academic Dr. Jane Buxton, who works at the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Centre for Disease Control

• UBC professor and "scientific entrepreneur" Pieter R. Cullis

• Music agent and manager Samuel L. Feldman

• British Columbia Investment Management Corporation CEO Gordon J. Fyfe

• Reconciliation advocate Byng Giraud

• Chief Councillor Harold Leighton of the Metlakatla First Nation

• Lawyer Susan E. Paish

• Conservationist George C. Reifel 

• Actor Ryan Reynolds

• Bollywood film industry producer Daljit Thind

• Immigrant Services Society of sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½’s Patricia Woroch 

— With a file from the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½