Order of Canada awarded to Toronto, gay rights activist, Rev. Brent Hawkes

Rev. Brent Hawkes, CM, D.Min (born in Bath, New Brunswick). Since 1977, he has served as senior pastor of the Metropolitian Community Church of Toronto for LGBT parishioners, and is one of Canada's leading gay rights activists. Hawkes has Bachelor of Science 1972 and Bachelor or Education (1973) from Mount Allison University as well as a Master of Divinity (1986) and Doctor of Ministry (1986) from Trinity College, University of Toronto. On June 29, 2007, Governor General Michaelle Jean appointed Brent Hawkes as a member of the Order of Canada. On Jan 14, 1971 he officiated at the first gay wedding in Canada. He celebrates this great honour with his spouse and partner, John Sproule.