Ten Torontonians, including a world-famous comedian and an internationally-acclaimed writer, are among the 39 recipients of the Order of Canada.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston presided over the ceremony on Friday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa where Eugene Levy and Nino Ricci were honoured along with the other recipients. 

Levy is known for his comedy chops and was recognized for his mentoring of college students and involvement with the Autism Society.

Ricci’s novel Lives of the Saints received huge acclaim worldwide and has been translated into several languages.

The other Torontonians are Arnold Aberman, a co-director of the Intensive Care Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital; Anthony and Elizabeth Comper, volunteers and philanthropists; Mary Lou Fallis, a soprano known for comedic, one-woman shows; and Frederic (Eric) Langford Rowell Jackman, a businessmen and philanthropist, who supports the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Patricia Aldana, the founder and publisher of Groundwood Books, is honoured for her focus on First Nations people; Maureen Sabia will be recognized as a role model for women in the corporate sector; and Bob Macdonald, a science journalist who made learning accessible.

The Order of Canada, which was created in 1967, is the centrepiece of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Chosen by an independent panel based on nominations from the public, the order has three levels of membership — companion, officer and member. Since its creation, more than 5,000 people have been named to the Order.

Click here for the full list.