NewsT. Rick JonesWilliam Shatner

William Shatner is to be recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada

NewsT. Rick JonesWilliam Shatner
William Shatner is to be recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada
Officer of the Order of Canada; William Shatner at Star Trek Las Vegas 2019

Officer of the Order of Canada; William Shatner at Star Trek Las Vegas 2019

Star Trek’s original Captain Kirk, William Shatner, is set to receive one of Canada’s highest honors in a ceremony later today.

The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest civilian honors, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Honors are given by the Governor General of Canada, based on nominations from the public, and on recommendation of the Order’s Advisory Council.

Shatner will be invested today as an Officer of the Order of Canada, an honor which The Canadian Encyclopedia says is awarded “for achievement and merit of a high degree, especially service to Canada or to humanity at large.” He was appointed to the Order in 2017 but is only now participating in the ceremony. A delay between appointment and investiture is not uncommon, especially in celebrity figures, who may be subject to scheduling conflicts.

Shatner’s entry in the proceedings says, “William Shatner is a cultural icon who has boldly gone where few have gone before. His renowned career in theatre, television and film extends over 60 years and his memorable performances as Captain James T. Kirk in the classic television series ‘Star Trek’ has entertained and inspired generations of viewers. A proud Canadian, he supports various charities related to health care, the environment and the well-being of children. Through his larger-than-life persona and his artistic achievements, he has left an indelible mark on popular culture.”

For those wanting to watch, the Honours ceremony will be streamed online on the Governor General’s website this morning, Thursday, November 21st, at 10:30am ET.

Update, November 21st, 2019: This article has been edited to clarify that Shatner was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017, and that this event is the investiture of that appointment.