B.C. news anchor Deb Hope appointed to Order of Canada


Hope retired in 2014 after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Former B.C. news anchor Deborra Hope has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada.

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Hope — who anchored the News Hour on BCTV, now Global, — retired at age 59 in 2014 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her decline in health was rapid and she now lives in a nursing home, unable to recognize many of her family members.

Former BCTV news director Steve Wyatt has described Hope as a tough and determined journalist, who never failed to bring balance, fairness and truth to every story she told.

Hope is being recognized for her tireless work for charities, which included Variety Club for BCTV for more than 20 years, the Courage To Come Back Group, and the Down syndrome Foundation.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced 85 appointees to the Order of Canada on Wednesday, touting luminaries in fields including film, music, science, politics, business, academics, sport and culture.

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Other appointments include film and TV actress Sandra Oh and Olympic track champion Donovan Bailey.

“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve” star Oh was named an officer to the Order of Canada for her stage and screen success, while Bailey was named an officer for his track and field excellence and philanthropic commitment to youth and amateur athletes.

“For me, I just want to be a great example for young Canadians that they themselves can follow into my footsteps,” Bailey said when reached before the announcement in Vancouver.

“Hopefully, I was one of those positive people who (inspire others to) believe that Canada should be positive and Canada should be confident and Canada can take on anybody and come out golden.”

Film director/screenwriter Francois Girard of Montreal and Angela James of Richmond Hill, Ont., who was one of the first superstars of women’s hockey, were also named officers for high degree of achievement or service to Canada.

New members of the order — who are honoured for distinguished service to a particular community or field — include Toronto music industry veteran Al Mair; former MP Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell of Arviat, Nunavut; and HIV/AIDS researcher Martin T. Schechter of Vancouver.

—with files from The Canadian Press

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