Dashan Appointed to the Order of Canada

Ottawa, December 12, 2008 — Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, today appointed Mark H. Rowswell, AKA "Dashan", to the Order of Canada in a formal investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is Canada's highest honour for lifetime achievement. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Official Citation

Mark Rowswell uses his extraordinary talents for comedy and language to build bridges of understanding between Canada and China. Dashan, as he is known by millions of adoring Chinese fans, is a cultural phenomenon, famous for his mastery of the complex art of xiangsheng, a form of witty repartee. He lends his fame in support of a number of charitable causes. In collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society and various Chinese health organizations, he promotes the benefits of smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle choices. An unofficial ambassador for Canada, he has been uniting our peoples through laughter, understanding and goodwill for the past two decades.