SCE LifeWorks is proud to celebrate the investiture of our President and CEO, Orland (Oly) Backstrom, as a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Oly’s appointment was announced in December 2024, and on June 25, 2026, he was formally invested at Rideau Hall by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada. This prestigious recognition acknowledges individuals whose extraordinary contributions have helped shape a better Canada, and we are thrilled to see Oly’s work recognized in this meaningful way.


For more than 30 years, Oly has been a passionate advocate for the inclusion, dignity, and potential of people with intellectual disabilities. His leadership reflects the core philosophy of SCE LifeWorks that believes all people deserve the opportunity to live and work in their community, where they are respected and rewarded for their efforts, skills, and accomplishments.

Recognizing the critical transition from school to adult life for young people with intellectual disabilities, Oly became a driving force behind bringing the internationally acclaimed Project SEARCH model to Canada. Through years of collaboration, advocacy, and determination, he helped establish the first Canadian Project SEARCH site in 2011 through a partnership involving Manitoba Hydro, the Government of Manitoba, and local school divisions. He later championed the creation of a second Winnipeg site at HSC Winnipeg in 2016. Both sites celebrated important milestones this year with 15 and 10 years respectively of life changing successes.


By sharing the success of Project SEARCH at conferences and forums across Canada, Oly has helped inspire the growth of the program nationwide. Today, Project SEARCH operates at 30 sites across Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, creating pathways to meaningful employment and greater inclusion for hundreds of young people with disabilities.


On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, participants, families, and community partners of SCE LifeWorks, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Oly on this incredible achievement. His leadership, vision, and dedication have transformed lives, strengthened communities, and helped create a more inclusive Canada. Those fortunate enough to work alongside Oly see daily the impact of his unwavering commitment to inclusion and community.


Reflecting on the honour, Oly was quick to recognize the many people who have contributed to this work:


“I would not be receiving this honour without the many champions in this good work we do. That includes my SCE LifeWorks Board members colleagues, Project SEARCH colleagues, and partners here in Winnipeg, across Canada, and in the United States. Most importantly, it includes the people we serve, who demonstrate every day how much more capable Canadians with intellectual and developmental disabilities are when given the opportunity to unwrap and share their gifts. I am honoured, humbled, and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many amazing people.”


— Orland (Oly) Backstrom


While this appointment recognizes Oly’s outstanding contributions, it also shines a light on the collective impact of countless advocates, partners, employers, families, and individuals who share the vision of a more inclusive society. Through his leadership, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the potential of every person, Oly has helped create opportunities that continue to change lives and communities across Canada.


Congratulations, Oly, on your appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada. We are immensely proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and the extraordinary legacy you continue to build.

Photo Credit: Master Sailor (MS) Anne-Marie Brisson, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026