“It’s not me I’m worried about. It’s Dr. Hentzle’s reputation. . . . Some say she should get an Order of Canada, and you know what that means, eh?”

– from Newborn

The order of Canada

Jo Beaverpaw, the assassin clone in Newborn, has no idea about the Order of Canada. You probably don’t either.  No reason you should, unless of course you’re a Canuck, in which case shame on you for not knowing!

The Order of Canada is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Canadian government — and this year it was given to (drum roll, please) a writer.

Not just any writer, but (trumpet fanfare, please) a science fiction writer.

Rob’s the one on the right  (Photo by http://www.singularityweblog.com)

Not just any science fiction writer, but a man I consider a friend and mentor, Robert J Sawyer.

Rob got the award for “accomplishments as a science-fiction writer and mentor and for contributions as a futurist.” He’s the first person ever to be admitted into the Order for work in the science-fiction field.

Cool fact: Rob can (and does!) officiate at citizenship ceremonies.  Hmm. Could he make E.T. a citizen, do you think?

• Visit Rob’s blog, which has been running a super long time.
• Check out Rob’s latest and greatest, Quantum Night.
• Learn more about the Order of Canada.

Rob’s kind words about The Trial of Tompa Lee:

Ed Hoornaert is a marvelous writer: a terrific, engrossing storyteller and a consummate stylist.