It was a moment to remember. Receiving the introduction to the Order of Canada from the Governor General Romeo LeBlanc at Rideau Hall on November 13, 1996.
The Order is a fraternity of merit that recognizes significant achievement in important fields of human endeavour. I was deeply humbled to be honoured. A booklet accompanied the medal with instructions about how and when it should be worn. And of course, a member of the Order places the initials CM after his or her name. 
The Certificate now has a place of honour on the wall of my office. When the award was given by the GG, someone read out the following: "He has provided a vehicle for small business to effectively communicate their interests to governments, financial and educational institutions with a united voice, allowing them to influence legislation and policies at various levels positively."
The letter of congratulations from Prime Minister Chretien was much appreciated. Over a dozen letters arrived from business leaders and politicians from across Canada. One of the most moving came from a Quebec CFIB district manager, Robert Barnes, saying “Who would have thought 25 years ago that such an honour would occur associated with the development of such a fine organization.”
Another letter of congratulations came from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Hal Jackman. I remember meeting with Mr. Jackman in 1970, after we had successfully defeated the White Paper Tax Reform initiative of the Trudeau government. He was a prominent business leader and active in Ontario PC politics. He said the Premier would provide me with an uncontested riding in the Beaches area if I would consider entering provincial politics. He also promised to finance my campaign.
One of the joys of the Order of Canada ceremony was meeting all the other recipients. We were all overwhelmed by the pomp and ceremony.
I remember so clearly my thoughts at the moment I received personal congratulations from the Governor General. It was about my father slipping me $200 when I was out selling memberships to pay my own salary when CFIB was in danger of failing. You achieve nothing on your own.