Bracebridge resident and Holocaust survivor Eva Olsson formally invested as a Member of the Order of Canada.
She initially earned the honour in Dec. 2021 but no ceremony was held because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Eva Olsson has been inspiring us to rise against discrimination and bullying for more than 25 years,” a summary on the Governor General’s website reads. “A Holocaust survivor, she channelled the pain she endured into an emboldened mission to eradicate hatred. From elementary schools to the United Nations, she has travelled across the country and beyond its borders to share her impactful message more than 3,800 times. In addition to being the focus of a biographical documentary, she has co-published three books about her life and philosophy, despite never having had the opportunity to attend school.”
Olsson was one of 53 individuals who were part of a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday. Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, was also part of the function.
The honour comes only a few days before Olsson turns 99. Her birthday is Oct. 28.
The Order of Canada is the highest honour a civilian can receive.