Steve Bell among Order of Manitoba recipients

One of Canadian Christian music's favourite artists is being honoured by his home province with its highest honour.

Manitoba's Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon says that Steve Bell will be the recipient of the Order of Manitoba. She made the announcement early Wednesday morning.

"An award-winning singer and songwriter, Bell continues to use his artistic talents to inspire, entertain and inform audiences across Canada and the U.S.," a release from the Lt-Gov.'s office says. "He has received many prestigious awards including multiple Juno Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, Prairie Music Awards and Gospel Music Association Covenant Awards."

The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.

Bell recently received his fifth Juno nomination for his latest album Wouldn't You Love to Know?

Among the other recipients are former Manitoba Premier, Greg Selinger, and Indigenous elder, Ruth Christie.

The formal investiture ceremony is tentatively scheduled to be held on July 15, 2021, at the Manitoba Legislative Building, subject to the COVID-19 Pandemic Response System.