University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard today congratulated John Buhler and Guy Maddin for being chosen to join the Order of Canada.

“These gentlemen have made significant contributions to our community, country and province and are truly deserving of receiving Canada’s greatest civilian honour,” said Barnard. “I am proud that they are respected members of our community of learning, discovery and engagement.”

Buhler received an honorary degree from the University of Manitoba in October 2011. In addition to building a farm machinery empire, Buhler is a noted philanthropist who along with his wife Bonnie have made generous donations to a number of community organizations including Victoria General Hospital, Seven Oaks Hospital, St. Amant Centre, St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, the Misericordia Hospital Eye Care Centre, and the Health Sciences Centre.

Maddin, Distinguished Filmmaker in Residence at the University of Manitoba, is known for such celebrated works as Tales from Gimli Hospital and My Winnipeg. In addition to being named to the Order of Canada, Maddin was named to the Order of Manitoba in 2009.

Steven Schipper, artistic director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, is the third Manitoban whose selection to the Order of Canada was announced last week along with 67 other distinguished Canadians.

For more information contact Peter Dalla-Vicenza Marketing Communications Office, University of Manitoba, 204-474-9234 (peter_dalla-vicenza@umanitoba.ca).