Membertou Chief and CEO Terrance Paul has been named to the Order to Canada as of June 30, 2017. The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.

With more than 35 million people living in Canada, only 6,000 people have received the honour of being named a recipient of the Order of Canada. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. It celebrates contributions which are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to our country.

For thirty-three years and a remarkable seventeen consecutive terms, Chief Paul has led the community of Membertou in an upward direction toward prosperity in business development and the betterment of all community and band members.

Just one hundred years ago, the community of Kun'tewiktuk (Kings Road Reserve) was relocated to the current location of Membertou and today, a Mi'kmaw Chief is being recognized with one of the highest honours our nation offers.

The Cape Breton Partnership has had many opportunities to work alongside Chief Paul and the Membertou community to strengthen and promote progressive and prosperous relationships to grow our economy.

"Chief Paul's dedication to serving his community with pride and integrity is evident in every facet of his work. His strong, but humble leadership and tenacity for invoking progressive change has been paramount in Membertou's growth and success," said Keith MacDonald, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. "A true visionary, Chief Paul is the embodiment of what makes a great Canadian and an outstanding recipient of the Order of Canada."

Chief Paul says his work has been rewarding thus far and he is honoured to have been both nominated and successful in his new appointment to the Order of Canada. Chief Paul adds that his work in Membertou is not finished yet, with many opportunities still to explore.

"Through education, economics, and the hard work and dedication of my community members we have been able to achieve success," says Chief Paul.

A formal ceremony will take place in Ottawa at Rideau Hall in the Fall to celebrate Chief Paul's appointment to the Order of Canada.

Announcement courtesy of the Cape Breton Partnership.