Jarvis has previously served as President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and currently sits on the CPC Board of Directors where he has been a member since 1993. 

He was also a board member of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Organising Committee while he is now part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A former athlete, Jarvis competed in the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games in the 800 and 1500 metres as well as the relay races.

He is among 74 new appointments to the order, including three Companions, 18 Officers and 53 Members.

The Order of Canada is an honour for merit that is the highest order administered by the Governor General-in-Council in the Canadian system of honours, on behalf of the Queen.

Created in 1967 to coincide with the centennial of Canadian Confederation, the three-tiered order was established as a fellowship that recognises the achievement of outstanding merit or distinguished service by Canadians through life-long contributions in every field of endeavour, and who made a major difference to Canada, as well as the efforts made by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions.

The Order of Canada stated that Jarvis is being honoured "For his contributions to the development of the Paralympic Movement, in Canada and abroad."

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