Michener, << MIHCH uh nuhr, >> Roland (1900-1991), was governor general of Canada from 1967 to 1974. In 1967, he became the first governor general to name individuals to the Order of Canada. Appointment to the order is one of Canada’s highest civilian honors. Michener also made the first appointments to the Order of Military Merit, in 1972. He helped promote physical fitness by jogging about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) a day. He also encouraged all Canadians to learn both English and French.
Daniel Roland Michener was born in Lacombe, Alberta. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta and a law degree from Oxford University in England. Michener served in the Ontario legislature from 1945 to 1948. He was elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 1953 and became Speaker in 1957. In 1964, he was appointed High Commissioner to India and Canada’s first ambassador to Nepal.
