ASSINIBOIA -- Lorne Hepworth, a former resident of Assiniboia and Weyburn was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in December of 2023. He was previously appointed to the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2020.
Hepworth was born in Assiniboia and studied veterinary medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. He once operated a farm near Assiniboia, which is now run by his son. He served as a veterinarian in Weyburn. The former resident of southern Saskatchewan also served as a political figure in Saskatchewan, representing Weyburn from 1982 to 1991. His political service included Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education and Mines, Ministry of Education and Manpower and Minister of Finance.
The new Order of Canada Member also served in the crop protection industry where he played a key role in creating CropLife Canada, the national plant science industry trade association.
Hepworth has also been previously inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame
In a media release, Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 78 new appointments to the Order of Canada, of which Hepworth was one of the 59 members appointed Dec. 28 of 2023.
The release stated, “Every year since its creation in 1967, the ranks of the Order of Canada have been enriched by the appointment of new members whose contributions reverberate in communities across the country and beyond. Through their exemplary commitment, they inspire and challenge us to join them in making Canada a better country.”
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours and recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.
Governor General Simon was quoted in the release, “I greatly value the opportunity to celebrate individuals whose perseverance, ingenuity and community spirit have benefited Canadians throughout the country. As governor general, I have seen first-hand that our communities are rich in both excellence and diversity, which we need to do our utmost to recognize. I encourage each of us to become catalysts for the change we want to see in the Canadian Honours System by nominating individuals whose exceptional accomplishments may have gone unrecognized through the years.”
Throughout his career, Hepworth has been recognized as a leading spokesperson and supporter of science and technology in agriculture and the agri-food industry
Speaking to the Assiniboia Times and SASKTODAY.ca the evening of Jan. 3, Hepworth, an Assiniboia High School and U of S graduate, said this announcement was quite a surprise
Hepworth notes there is a ceremony coming up but he isn’t sure on exact dates yet as organizers are still working on catching up on ceremonies cancelled during COVID-19.
One piece of advice the U of S alumnus gives to students pursuing their passion in the agriculture industry, “Be a big believer in strategic planning, go with a plan and go boldly.”
Assiniboia’s Mayor Sharon Schaunberg adds, “Assiniboia takes great pride in congratulating Lorne Hepworth on his appointment to the Order of Canada. Our community recognizes his contributions to Canadian agriculture and research and commends him on his achievement. Well done, Lorne."
