Eight Albertans from diverse fields have been announced as the latest inductees into the Alberta Order of Excellence, the province's highest honour. The investiture ceremony will take place in Edmonton this October, adding to the 237 individuals recognized since the Order's inception in 1979.
Honorees Span Business, Law, and Philanthropy
Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani praised the recipients, stating, "Extraordinary people in Alberta continue to shape our province through academia, business, philanthropy, and public service. Their contributions come from a commitment to create and contribute to our society. I am honoured to recognize them and their legacies through their upcoming investiture into the Alberta Order of Excellence."
Clive Beddoe – Aviation Pioneer
Clive Beddoe, founding shareholder and former chairman of WestJet, helped transform Canadian aviation with a low-cost business model. A private pilot turned entrepreneur, he received the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year award and numerous other honours.
Heather Culbert – Philanthropist and Business Leader
Calgary-based Heather Culbert co-founded Axis Connects, an organization promoting gender diversity in business. She also co-led a historic $298-million fundraising campaign for the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary.
Kim McConnell – Agricultural Marketing Pioneer
Kim McConnell founded AdFarm, revolutionizing agricultural marketing. Known for mentorship and entrepreneurial support, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant, and chairs Top 7 Over 70 Canada.
Ian Holloway – Legal Scholar and Dean
Ian Holloway served as dean of law at the University of Calgary (2011–2024) and previously at Western University. A leading legal history scholar, he has published extensively, including a book on naval history.
Ron Triffo – Businessman and Community Advocate
Ron Triffo, Stantec's chairman emeritus from Edmonton, is recognized for his philanthropy and education advocacy. MacEwan University named its School of Business after him. He helped grow Stantec from 150 employees to thousands.
Paul Wynnyk – Military and Public Service Leader
Paul Wynnyk, a former Canadian Army officer, served as commander of the Canadian Army from 2016 to 2018 and later as Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. He retired from the Armed Forces in 2019.
Jodi Abbott – Healthcare Foundation CEO
Jodi Abbott, president and CEO of Edmonton's University Hospital Foundation, has led the organization to become one of North America's top healthcare foundations. Previously, she was president and CEO of NorQuest College, where enrolment more than doubled.
Bruce Bentley – Real Estate and Sports Executive
Bruce Bentley, former president and CEO of Maclab Enterprises, now chairs Maclab Development Group. He is a past chair of the Edmonton Elks Football Club, a CFL governor, and vice chair of the Banff Centre for Art and Creativity.
The Alberta Order of Excellence celebrates exceptional achievement and service across the province. The eight new members will be formally invested in a ceremony at Edmonton in October, continuing a tradition that began in 1979.
