Dr. Walde receives Ontario's highest honour today

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti congratulates Dr. Walde on receiving Order of Ontario

Sault doctor recognized as an Outstanding Citizen of Ontario at Queen's Park ceremony

QUEEN'S PARK - David Orazietti MPP will be on-hand later this afternoon to congratulate Dr. Walde on his investiture into the Order of Ontario at a Queen's Park ceremony recognizing Outstanding Citizens from across the province.

"Dr. Walde has made tremendous strides in advancing cancer care for patients in Sault Ste. Marie and is extremely deserving of Ontario's highest honour," said Orazietti. "Dr. Walde joins a prestigious group of Ontarians who have made exceptional contributions to communities across the province."

Dr. Walde will be presented the Order of Ontario by the Honourable David Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Order of Ontario is awarded to Ontarians for excellence and achievement in any field.

The 27 individuals awarded the honour represent an array of disciplines, including medicine, the arts, law and social issues.

Dr. Walde will be joined by 26 other recipients who will receive the province's highest and most prestigious honour.

"It is a great honour and privilege to receive this award on behalf of the staff at Sault Area Hospital's cancer program," said Dr. Walde. "Their hard work and dedication to helping patients in our community is worthy of recognition by all Ontarians."

Dr. Walde, director of the oncology program at Sault Area Hospital, was acknowledged for his work as a pioneer of community-based cancer treatments and a tireless fundraiser for the new Sault Ste. Marie hospital.

"Dr. Walde has made an extraordinary contribution to our hospital and our community," said Ron Gagnon, SAH president and CEO. "He has been unrelenting in his drive for better patient care and the construction of our new hospital. He is a deserving recipient of this award."

Dr. Walde joins a prestige list of past Sault Ste. Marie recipients of the Order of Ontario, including Dr. Roberta Bondar and Ken Danby.

This year's honourees will bring the total number of recipients since 1987 to 460, when the honour was first awarded.

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