The insignia was awarded for BCCC’s meritorious service and civic virtues, celebrating the practice of actions and deeds worthy of honourable mention.
On March 3, 2024, a special ceremony was held during the 18th Edition of the Brazil-Canada Conference at PDAC – 2024 in Toronto, ON. The Consul General of Brazil in Toronto, Ambassador Wanja Campos da Nóbrega and the Ambassador of Brazil to Canada, H.E. Carlos Franca, conferred the insignia of the Order of Rio Branco on the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce – BCCC. The award is a recognition of the chamber’s continuous work on building and strengthening the trade relations between Brazil and Canada for over 50 years.
The insignia was received by BCCC’s Co-Chairs, Peter Hawkins and Daniel Ricica, whose dedication and leadership transformed the BCCC into an essential agent in Brazil-Canada relations. During the ceremony, Carolina Albernaz, past president and long-time friend of the chamber, was recognized for her valuable contribution.
“It is a great honour for the BCCC to receive the Order of Rio Branco, which is recognition for the work the organization has been doing for over 50 years in developing and encouraging the trade relationship between Canada and Brazil.” state co-chairs Peter Hawkins and Daniel Ricica. “It is recognition for all those who came before us to build our historic partnership.”
At the Welcome Cocktail hosted by ADIMB and the Consulate of Brazil in Toronto, the BCCC celebrated another milestone, recognizing past president Paola Saad’s 25 years of work and volunteerism with PDAC. She has been an integral part of the success of our events. Her citation reads: “Paola Saad, Outstanding Master Connector. 25 years of PDAC. In recognition of your long service, professionalism, and dedication.
The Order of Rio Branco
“The Order of Rio Branco was instituted by Decree no 51.697, dated February 5, 1963, with the objective of distinguishing the meritorious service and civic virtues, stimulating the practice of actions and deeds worthy of honourable mention.
The Order of Rio Branco, named in honour of the Patron of the Brazilian diplomacy – Baron of Rio Branco, comprises 5 classes, namely: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight, besides a Medal attached to the Order.”
“The Order of Rio Branco is dedicated to honouring those recognized by the Brazilian government, serving to encourage the practice of actions and deeds worthy of honorable mention, in addition to distinguishing meritorious services and civic virtues. This prestigious award recognizes the exceptional contributions made by the BCCC in fostering trade relations between Canada and Brazil for over 50 years.”– Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil (Ministério das Relações Exteriores)
The Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce – BCCC
Established in 1973, the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) is a not-for-profit and independent business association held by the private sector with the primary objective of fostering stronger commercial relations between Brazil and Canada.
Led by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of renowned industry leaders and experts in conducting business between Brazil and Canada, the BCCC plays a vital role in linking players from Brazilian and Canadian private and government sectors, facilitating dialogue between both parties and assisting members in identifying key opportunities to expand their activities and further their business interests.
The BCCC is a Canada-wide chamber of commerce with five chapters: Ottawa, Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. And five operational committees: Mining, Education, Trade & Investment, Innovation, Science and Technology – IST, and ESG & Sustainability.