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By Adrian Nieoczym
Ross Fitzpatrick, the Kelowna businessman and former Liberal senator, says being awarded the Order of British Columbia is an honour he is thrilled to receive.
“How do you react?” he laughed in reaction to the news, announced this week by the provincial government. “Obviously I’m honoured. Things like this have a humbling impact on me and it’s not something I ever really expected but obviously it feels very rewarding when you are recognized like I have been.”
Fitzpatrick is one of 13 British Columbians who will receive the Order from Lt. Gov. Stephen Point at a Sept. 16 ceremony at Government House in Victoria.
“The Order of British Columbia is this province’s highest recognition of their excellence, their achievement, and their citizenship,” said Point, in a press release.
Recipients of the award were selected by an advisory committee that included B.C.’s Chief Justice Lance Finch, the speaker of the legislature Bill Barisoff and two Kelownians: City councillor Robert Hobson, in his role as president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities and former broadcaster Mohini Singh, who is a past recipient of the Order.
Fitzpatrick is being honoured for his work as a volunteer, 10-year member of the Canadian senate and business leader. In its release, the government cites his environmental consciousness while working in the oil and gas and mining industries.
“Business always meant caring for the environment. One of the mines he developed was recognized as a “model mine” by the U.S. Bureau of Lands and Management and it won various environmental awards,” it says.
Fitzpatrick said he is proud to be recognized for his environmental concern.
“I was always very sensitive to the environmental aspects of business,” he said. “I guess that comes somewhat from growing up in the Okanagan and realizing that what we have is very precious and fragile.”
Fitzpatrick is also credited with helping secure federal funding for projects like women’s shelters during his time in the senate and for supporting the Westbank First Nations Self-Government Agreement and the First Nations Fiscal Agreement.
He said the work he did with First Nations was some his most important accomplishments.
“Which again, I think is connected [to his environmental concerns] because of their inherent understanding and respect for the environment, so I think they’re somewhat intertwined.”
Fitzpatrick is also the proprietor of Cedar Creek Estate Winery, which he established in 1986.
Fitzpatrick said he is “thrilled” to be going to Victoria to receive his award from the Lieutenant-Governor. He will be accompanied by his wife and son.
“Unfortunately my daughter lives in Stockholm, so I’m not sure she’s going to be able to make it.”
adrian@kelowna.com/(250)575-3517
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Congratulations Mr. Fitzpatrick. We met only once a long time ago at your home in Lions bay. I hope Maureen and Eileen and well.
Again well done!
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