The Crown Society of Canada is proud to recognize Canadians whose careers, public service and commitment reflect an exceptional contribution to Canadian life.
Honorary membership is granted at the discretion and invitation of the National President of the Crown Society of Canada, in recognition of exceptional contributions to Canadian public life.
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Biography
Liberal Member of Parliament for Gatineau in the House of Commons of Canada since 2015, re-elected four times. Before entering political life, he worked as a senior communications and public affairs executive, including as Vice-President at Hill + Knowlton Strategies Canada, and was actively involved with the Liberal Party of Canada, including serving as National Director from 2003 to 2007.
Honorary Member
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
MP, PC
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Biography
The longest-serving Lieutenant Governor in Ontario's history, affectionately known as the province's “Storyteller-in-Chief.” Her career has spanned the provincial, federal and international spheres, including service as a United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, founding President of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, and President of the Council of Canadian Academies. She holds 11 honorary doctorates.
Honorary Member
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell
OC, DStJ, OOnt
29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (2014–2023)
Biography
A lawyer, historian and professor by training, Mr. Doyon served as Bâtonnier of Quebec from 2007 to 2008 before being appointed the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. A member of the Most Venerable Order of St. John and a Knight of the Legion of Honour, he serves as Honorary Patron of the Crown Society of Canada.
Honorary Patron
The Honourable J. Michel Doyon
KStJ, KC, BA, LL.L, PhD, AdE
29th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec (2015–2024); Honorary Patron of the CSC
Biography
Ontario's Minister of Education since 2025, he has represented Markham—Stouffville in the Legislative Assembly since 2018. He previously served as Government House Leader (2019–2024), Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Minister of Long-Term Care. He also served as the federal Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges—Markham from 2008 to 2015.
Honorary Member
The Honourable Paul Calandra
MPP
Ontario Minister of Education
Biography
A retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mr. Peters was appointed Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada in 2013, with his mandate renewed in 2018. In that role, he serves as the King's personal attendant and messenger in Parliament and as the Senate's senior protocol officer.
Honorary Member
Mr. Greg Peters
MVO, CStJ
Usher of the Black Rod, Senate of Canada
Biography
After 32 years in the Ontario Public Service, Mr. Hylton distinguished himself over a decade as Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to four successive Lieutenant Governors of Ontario. An accomplished organizer, he coordinated major art exhibitions, community roundtables and official ceremonies. In 2022, he was invested as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by His Majesty The King.
Honorary Member
Mr. Anthony Hylton
LVO
Former Chief of Staff and Private Secretary, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Biography
A retired lieutenant-colonel, he served as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp and later as Chief of Staff and Principal Aide-de-Camp to four successive Lieutenant Governors of Quebec beginning in 1990, including The Honourable J. Michel Doyon from 2017 to 2024. At the National Assembly of Quebec from 2000 to 2017, he organized international engagements including the London and Sochi Olympic Games. He is a Commander of the Order of St. John.
Honorary Member
LCol (Ret'd) Jean-François Provençal
MVO, CStJ, CD
Former Chief of Staff and Principal Aide-de-Camp, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec
Biography
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran with nearly four decades of continuous service, including with the United Nations in Eritrea and Ethiopia. Since retiring from the military in 2014, he has served as a Citizenship Judge and has presided over ceremonies for more than 300,000 new Canadians. He also served as an Aide-de-Camp and later Chief Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 2009 to 2020.
Honorary Member
Citizenship Judge Albert Wong
CD
Citizenship Judge; former Chief Aide-de-Camp, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Biography
A Toronto-based historian, author and royal commentator, she holds a PhD in History from Queen's University and teaches at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. The author of several books on the history of European monarchies, she is regularly consulted by major international media. In 2025, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Her Honour Edith Dumont.
Honorary Member
Dr Carolyn Harris
MA, PhD
Royal historian; guest speaker, Toronto event (April 2026)
Recognition for Exceptional Service
The Society's Honorary Members come from diverse backgrounds, but share an outstanding commitment to public service, Canadian institutions, the Crown and their communities.
