Queen recognizes Chretien

On Tuesday October 20, 2009, Jean Chretien became only the fourth Canadian to receive the Order of Merit.  He was invested Tuesday by the Queen and was quoted as saying "some say it is the most exclusive honour that exists".  The award is given to those who show exceptional distinction in the arts, learning, sciences, and public services and at any given time, only 24 living people can hold the order.  Chretien joins former PM's William Lyon Mackenzie King and Lester Pearson as well as neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield, as the only Canadians to ever receive the award.

Source: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1148637.html