CTV News Edmonton has reported:

Eight Albertans, including four from the Edmonton area, received Alberta’s highest civilian honour on Thursday. Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani inducted them into the Alberta Order of Excellence at Government House on Thursday afternoon, recognizing leadership in their fields.

The three Edmontonians honoured were Jodi Abbott, Bruce Bentley and Ron Triffo. They can add the post-nominals AOE to their names. Paul Wynnyk of Sherwood Park was also among the recipients. Members of the Order are part of the Canadian Honours System.

The Order Council said hundreds of nominees were considered. Chair Gary Mar said the recipients came from varied backgrounds and fields, including agriculture, business, health care and education. “They’ve made contributions in a whole series of areas that have made life in Alberta better,” Mar said.

The Alberta Order of Excellence is the highest honour the province can award to a civilian. The recipients were recognized for “showing leadership in their respective fields,” according to a media release.