Avril Lavigne Appointed to the Order of Canada

One of Canada's biggest stars is getting one of the country's highest honours.

Pop star Avril Lavigne has been named to the Order of Canada, a civilian honour that recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the country. Lavigne was announced by Governor General Mary Simon yesterday, amongst a list of 83 new appointees that includes scientists, economists, poets and activists.

Lavigne's appointment notice highlights her impressive commercial and artistic achievements, as well as her charity work. "With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, she paved the way for female-driven punk-rock music and continues to do so today," the notice reads, going on to mention her support of individuals living with disabilities and serious illnesses through the Avril Lavigne Foundation.

Lavigne is one of Canada's best-selling artists, with ten Juno awards to her name. The Order of Canada appointment comes as Lavigne is celebrating her successes with Greatest Hits, a new compilation released June 21 featuring platinum singles like "Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi" as well as her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 "Girlfriend."

The Canadian icon is also taking her hits on the road with a major tour, which kicked off in Vancouver in May and begins its second leg in Toronto on August 12, with a sold-out Scotiabank Arena show.

Beyond the charts, Lavigne helped pave the way for a punk-inspired vision of girlhood in the early 2000s, when most female pop stars were embracing a more traditionally feminine image. Lavigne's brash attitude and white tank top and tie combo cemented her as an icon for a generation of Canadian kids.

That influence has been recognized of late with Lavigne receiving recognition from Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2022, Canada's Walk of Fame in 2023 and now the Order of Canada.

Lavigne wasn't the only musician recognized by the Order of Canada this week. Montreal singer-songwriter Daniel Lavoie was named an Officer of the Order, as were percussionist Beverley Johnston and conductor Kent Nagano.

Find the full list of appointees here.

Late last year, longtime host, broadcaster and Apple Music DJ George Stroumboulopoulos was also named to the Order of Canada. Read more about that here.