By Hayley Ferguson

Keith MacPhail named to Order of Canada

Jul 4, 2019 | 4:26 PM

CALGARY, AB — Raised on a farm in Medicine Hat, Keith MacPhail has gone on to do amazing things in the oil and gas industry.

And he is now set to receive one of the nation’s highest honours.

MacPhail was announced as a Member of the Order of Canada on June 27. He’s being recognized “For his achievements as a business leader and for his philanthropic contributions to health, education and sport initiatives,” according to a release from the Governor General’s office.

He studied business at Medicine Hat College before finishing his studies at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Montana’s College of Mineral Science and Technology.

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His career included becoming president and CEO of Canadian Natural Resources, and he later became the CEO of Bonavista Energy.

However, despite his lengthy career and many honours, MacPhail says he is most proud of a $10 million donation to SAIT.

“I guess when I think about you know the number of kids that have been impacted by that, in other words, being able to you know enrol in the school and go through and get a diploma or a degree that’s quite satisfying for me and that’s not anything that is every going to go away, that’s going to continue on forever,” he said.

In addition to MacPhail, another person with ties to Medicine Hat was also named to the Order of Canada.

Puppeteer Ronnie Burkett has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada “For his superlative artistry and craft in theatre as one of Canada’s pre-eminent dramatic puppeteers,” according to the Governor General’s office.

A total of 83 people were named to the Order of Canada. The recipients will receive their award later this year.