Laser builder appointed to the Order of Canada
by Sail-World and Paul Henderson on 3 Jul 2009
First Ovington Byte under construction with designer supremo Ian Bruce helping Ovington
Ian Bruce, of Montreal, builder and co-designer of the International Laser dinghy, was awarded the Order of Canada on Canada Day, 1st July 2009.
The award was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada. Bruce was one of 60 new appointments to the Order of Canada. These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.
Former President of ISAF, Paul Henderson described the award as a 'great honour for Ian and his beloved sport of Sailing.
'It is gratifying to see an entrepreneurial businessmen being accepted.
'Ian was the person who, 30 years ago, came up with the concept of the Laser class which is the most popular sailing craft ever conceived with now over 190,000 built and sailed in well over 150 countries in the world. The price of a Laser is less than that of a good bicycle.
The Laser has obtained Olympic status in both men's and women's discipline so Canada should be even prouder of the honour now bestowed on Ian Bruce.
Well done old friend!'
Awarded for the first time in 1967, during Canada’s Centennial Year, the Order of Canada launched the creation of Canada's own system of honours.
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