Laser designer appointed to the Order of Canada

9:39 PM Thu 2 Jul 2009 GMT

'First Ovington Byte under construction with designer supremo Ian Bruce helping' Ovington Click Here to view large photo

Ian Bruce, of Montreal, designer of the International Laser class, was awarded the Order of Canada on Canada Day, 1st July.

The award was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Micha?lle Jean, Governor General of Canada. Bruce was one of 60 new appointments to the Order of Canada. These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.

Former President of ISAF, Paul Henderson described the award as a 'great honour for Ian and his beloved sport of Sailing.

'It is gratifying to see an entrepreneurial businessmen being accepted.

2008 Olympic Regatta - Day 5 - Laser Radial Women - Race 3 - Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

'Ian was the person who, 30 years ago, came up with the concept of the LASER class which is the most popular sailing craft ever conceived with now over 160,000 built and sailed in well over 150 countries in the world. The price of a LASER is less than that of a good bicycle.

The Laser has obtained Olympic status in both men's and women's discipline so Canada should be even prouder of the honour now bestowed on Ian Bruce.

Well done old friend!'

Awarded for the first time in 1967, during Canada's Centennial Year, the Order of Canada launched the creation of Canada's own system of honours.