Newly appointed Officer of Order of Canada Loreena McKennitt: ‘It’s always gratifying to be acknowledged’

By: Emily Stewart

Loreena McKennitt is grateful for receiving a new honour recognizing her work in the arts and in community engagement.

The Stratford resident and singer-songwriter was appointed to the Officer of the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour on June 30. A press release from Rideau Hall announced that McKennitt would be one of 19 new appointed officers.

"I think it's safe to say pretty honoured and humbled in a way by the promotion,” McKennitt said when asked how she felt of the new honour. “I think most people who have been recipients – they don't do what they do in order to get these honours. They do what they do to serve people and society, but of course it's always gratifying to be acknowledged."

As an accomplished and well-decorated musician, McKennitt sold 16 million albums around the world and received several awards including an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2025. She established the Falstaff Family Centre, Wise Communities and the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety. McKennitt also served as an honorary colonel for 17 years.

She continues to do advocacy work regarding the effects of technology on children and of AI in society.

"There's various ways to contribute to the community so for me it's always a reflection on being of service to others,” she said.

Along with the new honour, McKennitt also recently received an invitation to consider presiding citizenship ceremonies.

“I would find that very, very interesting, so we'll see,” she said.

Since becoming an Officer to the Order of Canada, McKennitt said other Stratford residents have expressed their congratulations. She’s grateful and recognizes that there are many more people in the community making a difference.

"There are already many other people in our community that are doing and have done many, many things, and they may not ever be recognized to this degree, but whose work and involvement is extremely important to the thriving of our community, so I don't feel that I'm alone in doing things,” she said.

In 2004, McKennitt became a member of the Order of Canada. One of the highest honours received in Canada, the distinction recognizes significant contributions and excellence in every sector. She was one of the speakers at the Iris Collectives’ Voices of Distinction event on March 28, along with fellow Order of Canada members Tricia O’Malley, Seana McKenna, Jean Aitcheson and the late Diane Sims.

Later this year, McKennitt will be embarking on a cross-Canada tour to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of her album The Mask and The Mirror.